Preventing the Seasonal Flu

The best way to reduce risks from seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get a flu vaccine every year. The vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor’s visits each year. Everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine. People at higher risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant people, people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease, and people 65 years and older. Visit CDC.gov/flu/prevention/actions-prevent-flu.html to get information on healthy habits to help reduce the risk of seasonal flu and the spread of germs. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers the seasonal flu shot once per flu season and additional flu shots if it’s medically necessary. Visit Medicare.gov/coverage/is-your-test-item-or-service-covered to learn more about what Medicare covers.

Updated NTP Training Materials

• 2025 Medicare Amounts
• 2024/2025 Getting Started with Medicare
• Common Mistakes People with Medicare Make
• Need Help Adding Pharmacies & Drugs to Your Medicare Account?
• What’s New in Medicare Plan Finder (2024)
• CMS Product Ordering Website

Visit CMSnationaltrainingprogram.cms.gov/resources to view our training materials.

New/Updated CMS Products

• Medicare & You 2025
• Your Medicare Options
• Your Yearly Medical Review
• Remember Key Medicare Dates
• How the Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman Works for You

Did You Know?

November is:

• National Native American Heritage Month: This month is an opportunity to educate the public about the proud history of Indigenous people in America, and to celebrate the rich and diverse tribal cultures that continue to thrive throughout Indian Country. For CMS program-related resources, visit CMS.gov/training-education/partner-outreach-resources/american-indian-alaska-native/outreach-education-resources. 
• National Diabetes Month: Diabetes affects about 38 million Americans—adults and youth. It’s a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Use this month as an opportunity to inspire people to take charge of their health. Medicare Part B covers the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program, a health behavior change program to help prevent type 2 diabetes. Visit Medicare.gov/coverage/medicare-diabetes-prevention-program to learn more about the program.
• National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Awareness Month: COPD is a serious lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. Medicare Part B covers a comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program if you have moderate to very severe COPD and have a referral from your doctor to treat it. Visit Medicare.gov/coverage/pulmonary-rehabilitation-programs to learn more.

You can find the latest news about Medicare by visiting the CMS Newsroom.