Why is the new shingles vaccine (Shingrix) so expensive for Part D of Medicare?

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Old 08-16-2020, 05:41 PM
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Miguel 1952 Miguel 1952 is offline
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Default Why is the new shingles vaccine (Shingrix) so expensive for Part D of Medicare?

We seniors need this new shingles vaccine yet is very expensive with Part D prescription. I have SilverScripts and is $155 per vaccine and we must have two spread apart by several months.
Really disappointed as I really like Medicare with my supplemental and my Part D prescription.
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Old 08-16-2020, 06:09 PM
Stu from NYC Stu from NYC is offline
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We got it last year and didnt pay that much but was expensive.

Be that as it may I took the two shots and than about a month later got shingles.

Apparently my system was not fully protected and so got a very mild case.

If that was a mild case cannot imagine the pain and discomfort of a more severe case.

In any case as long as you can afford it strongly suggest you get the shots.
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Old 08-16-2020, 07:25 PM
OrangeBlossomBaby OrangeBlossomBaby is offline
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The cost without insurance ranges between $200 and $300. Medicare part D pays around half that. GoodRx will get you a shot for $155. That's for Shingrix specifically. If you want Zostravax it'd cost less, Medicare covers more, but it's less effective and you have to get it more often.

Shingrix is (theoretically) a one and done, once you have the appropriate two-dose vaccination in the right amount of time. But it will start to lose its effectiveness after 4 years, bringing it to "only" 85% effective (which is pretty impressive).
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Old 08-16-2020, 07:34 PM
gatherer47 gatherer47 is offline
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I just paid $45 through United Health Care Advantage plan
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Old 08-16-2020, 07:39 PM
OrangeBlossomBaby OrangeBlossomBaby is offline
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Originally Posted by gatherer47 View Post
I just paid $45 through United Health Care Advantage plan
I paid nothing with my Connecticare, in February 2019. But that was in Connecticut. I don't know anything about coverage for Shingrix down here. Different plans offer different coverage. Connecticare was comprehensive.
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Old 08-16-2020, 08:57 PM
Stu from NYC Stu from NYC is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby View Post
The cost without insurance ranges between $200 and $300. Medicare part D pays around half that. GoodRx will get you a shot for $155. That's for Shingrix specifically. If you want Zostravax it'd cost less, Medicare covers more, but it's less effective and you have to get it more often.

Shingrix is (theoretically) a one and done, once you have the appropriate two-dose vaccination in the right amount of time. But it will start to lose its effectiveness after 4 years, bringing it to "only" 85% effective (which is pretty impressive).
New one on me that it will start to lose its effectiveness in 4 years. I would really not like to get shingles again.
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Old 08-17-2020, 05:12 AM
joeharing joeharing is offline
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Humana advantage.
47.oo
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Old 08-17-2020, 05:25 AM
Singerlady Singerlady is offline
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Unfortunately, it all depends on your insurance. Mine was a $25 copay.
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Old 08-17-2020, 05:37 AM
riley2011 riley2011 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Miguel 1952 View Post
We seniors need this new shingles vaccine yet is very expensive with Part D prescription. I have SilverScripts and is $155 per vaccine and we must have two spread apart by several months.
Really disappointed as I really like Medicare with my supplemental and my Part D prescription.
If you think that’s bad the doctor I go to is charging $2100 for a prolia shot (for osteoporosis).
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Old 08-17-2020, 05:42 AM
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CDC says new shingles vaccine is much more effective for older people. (read this)

I wonder if we called Publix and see if we can wait in the car in the parking lot until it is our turn to get the shot?

Shingrix vs Zostavax - What's the difference between them?
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Old 08-17-2020, 05:49 AM
Tankerrich Tankerrich is offline
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If you have Tricare For Life (Retired Military) and on Medicare, it's FREE. Got mine this year at Walgreens who takes TFL in Lauderdale by the Sea, FL
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Old 08-17-2020, 06:00 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stu from NYC View Post
Be that as it may I took the two shots and than about a month later got shingles..
Only a month later ... any thought that the vaccine may have caused your shingles episode?
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Old 08-17-2020, 06:20 AM
Nell57 Nell57 is offline
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No charge for mine, but I’m probably paying a higher monthly premium for my part D than yours.
You might want to look at other plans and compare coverages during open enrollment periods this fall.,
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Old 08-17-2020, 06:24 AM
CWGUY CWGUY is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by riley2011 View Post
If you think that’s bad the doctor I go to is charging $2100 for a prolia shot (for osteoporosis).
https://www.prolia.com/paying-for-pr...istPriceAnchor
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Old 08-17-2020, 06:35 AM
LG999 LG999 is offline
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The shots are expensive but they are worth every penny. We both had side effects for 1-2 days after. Very cold, exhausted. All joints & muscles hurt. We know ppl who got shingles & all this is worth not getting it to us.
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