Vaccines in the Elderly –
Who Will Vaccinate Seniors
and Who Pays?

Overview:
Because the immune system is compromised by the aging process, the growing senior population is more susceptible to common infections.  Moreover, seniors are often not protected by vaccines, affecting both susceptible individuals and community health.  The U.S. vaccination rate among this population is currently fixed at about 65%, well below the 90% goal for the year 2010. However, as an example, a recent study of community-dwelling HMO seniors showed that vaccination against influenza reduced risk of hospitalization for pneumonia or influenza by 27% and reduced risk of death by 48%. There is a clear need for clinicians and providers to better understand when immunization is appropriate and provide the strategies and tools for weighing the risks and benefits of these decisions. 

Vaccines are covered in a variety of ways under Medicare, which can cause some significant confusion for both patients and physicians. Medicare Part B, which covers physician services and other medical services outside of hospitalization, did not typically provide for preventive services. But over the years, laws were passed that allow for the provision of three preventive vaccines under Medicare: pneumococcal, influenza and hepatitis B for high-risk beneficiaries.

In 2006, with the implementation of MMA, Part D plans were required to provide coverage for vaccines not covered under Medicare Part B. As new vaccines are approved by the FDA and introduced into the market, Medicare Part D plans must cover them.

Program Date
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Presentations