Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

a variety of pills in a daily pill organizer stock image
By Daniel Petkevich
Dec 5, 2022

Depending on your vitamins, you might get coverage

Regardless of your age, taking vitamins can be a useful component of maintaining your health. But for Medicare coverage of vitamins to kick in, they have to be considered critical rather than useful. Medicare covers some vitamins, but most over-the-counter vitamins are unlikely to be covered. Let's dig deeper into the distinction and how it might affect you.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Medicare coverage of vitamins

Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs and some over-the-counter products in certain situations, does cover some vitamins. Specifically, Medicare will pay for vitamins and minerals that are prescribed by a doctor as part of treatment for a medical condition or illness. Vitamins prescribed to treat diseases like anemia or premenstrual syndrome may be covered by Medicare. You should check your Part D formulary for a list of prescription drugs covered on your specific plan.
However, vitamins prescribed for the prevention of disease or simply to supplement a healthy diet, such as multivitamins, are not covered by Medicare Part D. This means you will have to pay out-of-pocket if you want to get these types of vitamins.
In some instances, Medicare Part B might cover vitamins if you need them injected. For example,

Vitamin B-12

could be administered to treat a vitamin deficiency, which Medicare Part B would cover. Medicare Part B can also cover some testing for vitamins, such as a 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D test. The key to receiving coverage is that the vitamins and/or test must be medically necessary as prescribed by your doctor.
Medicare does cover some vitamins prescribed to treat medical conditions or illnesses, it typically doesn’t cover vitamins taken as part of a healthy diet. If you are looking for an easy way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals, talk to your doctor.

How do you know if you need vitamins?

It is important to speak with your doctor if you think you may need vitamins. They will be able to advise on the types of vitamins that might be beneficial for you based on your medical history and current health condition. Your doctor can also evaluate any symptoms you may have to determine if a vitamin deficiency is at the root cause.

What are the benefits of taking vitamins?

Vitamins are essential micronutrients that can play a key role in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Vitamins can help prevent illness, enhance energy levels, support cognitive function, and improve skin health. Taking vitamins can also reduce the risk of certain illnesses like cancer and heart disease.

Which Medicare plans might cover over-the-counter vitamins?

Medicare Part D may cover some vitamins if they are prescribed by a doctor as part of treatment for a medical condition or illness. However, there are other Medicare plans that might provide coverage for over-the-counter vitamins and supplements.

Medicare Advantage plans

, also known as Medicare Part C, may offer additional benefits that include coverage for over-the-counter medicines and vitamins. However, you will need to check with your Medicare Advantage plan provider to see what is included.

How to get your vitamins if they're not covered by Medicare?

If your vitamins are not covered by Medicare, you still have options for getting the vitamins and supplements you need. The best option is to look into ways of buying in bulk or searching online for discounted prices.
You can also speak with your doctor about over-the-counter brands that may be more affordable than name brand products. Additionally, some pharmaceutical companies offer discounts and coupons for their products. Finally, there are various discount programs available that may help lower the cost of vitamins and supplements.

Tips for taking vitamins

Overall, vitamins can be a valuable component in maintaining your health. To ensure you are taking them correctly and getting the most benefit, remember to:
  • Consult your doctor for advice on which type of vitamins or supplements are best for you.
  • Read the dosage instructions carefully and follow them closely.
  • Take the vitamins at consistent times each day.
  • Follow up with your doctor regularly.
As a reminder, this content is for informational purposes only. Talk with your healthcare professional to get answers personalized for your situation.

Conclusion

The answer to whether Medicare covers vitamins depends on the type of vitamin, why you need it, and which Medicare plan you have. Generally speaking, Medicare doesn't cover vitamins unless they're deemed medically necessary. You should check in with your doctor before starting or stopping taking vitamins. This content is for informational purposes only. For any other questions about your Medicare coverage, give us a call. Fair Square Medicare is here for you.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Recommended Articles

A cartoon signpost with HMO and PPO pointing in opposite directions
What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?
Dec 1, 2022
Nasal spray stock image
Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?
Jan 12, 2023
Medicare research stock image
Medicare Consulting Services
Apr 3, 2023
wart on the sole of a white man's foot stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?
Jan 17, 2023
Fair Square
Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?
Oct 6, 2022
Cover image
2024 Medicare Price Changes
Oct 30, 2023
Ozempic stock image
Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?
Mar 28, 2023
Doctor physician consulting with male patients in hospital exam room stock photo
Is PAE Covered by Medicare?
Nov 23, 2022
Abortion stock image
Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?
Dec 13, 2022
Electrocardiograph with pacemaker stock photo
How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?
Nov 21, 2022
Vitamin in a syringe stock photo
Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?
Aug 15, 2022
male driver taking notes from behind the wheel stock image
Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?
Dec 1, 2022
Doctor physician consulting with male patient in hospital exam room stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?
Dec 9, 2022
Modern endoscope in hands of experienced medical worker stock photo
How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?
Dec 27, 2022
Model of the lungs with the diseased part stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Ofev?
Dec 2, 2022
Hepatitis C stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?
Nov 22, 2022
Cover image
Medicare Advantage MSA Plans
May 17, 2023
Prescription Drug Bars
Estimating Prescription Drug Costs
May 25, 2020

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Washington, D.C.

14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte

2023 Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP)

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

Can Doctors Choose Not to Accept Medicare?

Can I Change My Primary Care Provider with an Advantage Plan?

Can I switch From Medicare Advantage to Medigap?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Boniva?

Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?

Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Disposable Underwear?

Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?

Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?

Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?

Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?

Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Does Medicare Cover Tymlos?

Does Medicare Cover Zilretta?

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?

Does Medicare Pay for Varicose Vein Treatment?

Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare

Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors

How Are Medicare Star Ratings Determined?

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

How is Medicare Changing in 2023?

How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?

How Much Does Medicare Cost?

How Much Does Open Heart Surgery Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?

How to Apply for Medicare?

How to Become a Medicare Agent

How to Enroll in Social Security

Is Botox Covered by Medicare?

Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?

Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Medicare Explained

Seeing the Value in Fair Square

The Fair Square Bulletin: February 2024

The Fair Square Bulletin: July 2023

The Fair Square Bulletin: June 2023

The Fair Square Bulletin: November 2023

What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?

What If I Don't Like My Plan?

What Is a Medicare Advantage POS Plan?

What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?

What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

When Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.
Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2024

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2024 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M