# Understanding the Protecting Seniors Through Immunization Act of 2021

This bill makes it easier and cheaper for seniors on Medicare to get recommended vaccines. Right now, some vaccines for adults are covered under Medicare Part D (the prescription drug program), which means seniors often have to pay out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays. This bill changes that by making certain vaccines completely free—no copays, no deductibles, no hidden costs—just like vaccines are already covered under Medicare Part B for hospital-based care.

The bill focuses on vaccines that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends for older adults, including shots for shingles, tetanus/whooping cough, pneumonia, flu, and others. Research shows that when seniors have to pay even $50 or more out of pocket for a vaccine, many of them skip it entirely. By removing these costs, the bill aims to increase vaccination rates, especially among groups that currently get vaccinated at lower rates. This matters because older adults' immune systems are weaker, making them more vulnerable to serious complications from preventable diseases.

The bill also requires Medicare to include information about available vaccines in the "Medicare & You" handbook that all seniors receive, so people actually know what vaccines they should get and that they're covered. Additionally, it directs the government to study vaccination rates among seniors and identify barriers to getting vaccinated, with recommendations due to Congress within two years. The changes would take effect starting in 2022 or 2023, depending on how quickly the government implements the rules.

Protecting Seniors Through Immunization Act of 2021

Kuster, Ann M.

Protecting Seniors Through Immunization Act of 2021 This bill specifies&nbsp;that certain deductible, coinsurance, initial coverage limit, and cost-sharing requirements that apply under the Medicare prescription drug benefit shall not apply with respect to vaccines that are recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services must provide to Medicare beneficiaries specified information regarding (1) coverage of vaccines for seniors, and (2) access to recommended vaccines without cost-sharing.