Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?

Hands of doctor or nurse in medical gloves injecting a shot to a man patient stock photo

By Daniel Petkevich

Nov 29, 2022

Don't let allergies stop you from enjoying life

Allergies can be a troublesome aspect of daily life. They can impact your ability to enjoy changing seasons, pets, and sometimes just going outside. Luckily, Medicare offers coverage for allergy shots when deemed medically necessary. Are allergy shots right for you? Let's find out.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

What are allergy shots?

Allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy, are a type of treatment that can be used to reduce or eliminate the symptoms caused by allergies. Allergy shots contain tiny amounts of allergens, such as pollen, pet dander and dust mites, which are injected into the body over time. The goal is for your body to become desensitized to the allergen, and eventually, you will no longer have allergic reactions. Allergy shots can be used to treat a variety of allergies, including seasonal allergies (hay fever), pet allergies and insect stings.

How to know if allergy shots are right for you?

Allergy shots are most effective when used to treat more severe allergies, so it is important to consult with your doctor to determine if allergy shots are the right treatment option for you. If your symptoms don’t respond well to other treatments, such as medications or lifestyle changes, allergy shots may be an appropriate choice. Your doctor will also help you to identify which allergens are causing your symptoms so that they can be targeted in the allergy shots.

What is the process for getting allergy shots?

When receiving allergy shots, you will need to visit your allergist or doctor on a regular basis for injections over a period of time. Generally, the process starts with an injection of a very low dose of the allergen and gradually increases in intensity until you reach a maintenance dose. Your doses may be administered at more frequent intervals during this time, usually once or twice per week. As you build up a tolerance to the allergens, your maintenance dose will be spaced out more and more until it reaches every two to four weeks.

Medicare coverage of allergy shots

Yes, Medicare Part B covers allergy shots for people if they are medically necessary and are prescribed by a doctor. However, it is important to note that you may have to pay a copayment or coinsurance for each injection after you meet your Part B deductible. You may also be responsible for additional costs for lab tests associated with the allergy shots. Some allergy shots might be self-administered, in which case, check your Part D plan's formulary to see if you have coverage. To minimize your out-of-pocket costs, go with

Medicare Supplement Plan G

Are there any risks associated with allergy shots?

Yes, there are potential risks associated with allergy shots. The most common side effects are mild and include swelling, redness or itching at the injection site. Other more serious reactions can occur but are rare. For this reason, it is important that your doctor monitor you closely while you receive allergy shots to watch for any adverse reactions.

How long do you have to receive allergy shots before you start seeing results?

Results from allergy shots vary depending on the severity of your allergies and how well you respond to treatment. Generally, it can take approximately three to six months before you start seeing significant improvement in your symptoms. It is important to remain patient and consistent with your treatments as it will take time for them to be effective.

What should you expect after starting allergy shots?

Once you start receiving allergy shots, you should monitor your symptoms closely to see how well they are responding. You should also continue to follow any other treatments prescribed by your doctors, such as medications and lifestyle changes. If your symptoms don’t improve after a few months of allergy shots, talk to your doctor about other treatment options that may work better for you.

Takeaway

Allergy shots can be an effective treatment for severe allergies. Medicare Part B typically covers allergy treatments, but check with your plan provider for your specific coverage. Of course, check with your doctor to see if allergy shots are right for you. This content is for informational purposes only. For any Medicare questions, talk with an expert at Fair Square Medicare today.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

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.

888-572-6033

info@fairsquaremedicare.com

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2023

•

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. © 2022 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

Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?

Don't let allergies stop you from enjoying life

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

What are allergy shots?

How to know if allergy shots are right for you?

What is the process for getting allergy shots?

Medicare coverage of allergy shots

Are there any risks associated with allergy shots?

How long do you have to receive allergy shots before you start seeing results?

What should you expect after starting allergy shots?

Takeaway

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Recommended Articles

More of our articles

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans