BLOG UPDATED on 5/4/2023 to include information on the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone’s lives in one way or another, testing is one of the most important ways to control the spread of the virus. If you have Medicare, it’s important to understand your coverage for COVID-19 testing.
COVID-19 Testing and Medicare Coverage
Medicare Part B covers COVID-19 tests when a healthcare provider orders the test for you. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, you may be eligible for a test.
There are several types of COVID-19 tests including viral and antibody test. Viral tests will tell you if you currently have the virus. Antibody tests, on the other hand, tell you if you have had the virus in the past. Medicare only covers viral tests, not antibody tests.
It’s important to note that Medicare only covers tests that are FDA-authorized, or FDA-emergency use authorized. This means that some at-home tests may not be covered by Medicare.
Learn how Medicare covers the COVID-19 vaccine in our Comprehensive Guide to Medicare Covered Vaccines.
COVID-19 Testing and Cost
Under the CARES Act, COVID-19 testing is free for everyone, including those with Medicare. This means that you should not be charged for the test, even if you have a copay or deductible.
However, if you receive other services, such as a doctor’s visit, along with your COVID-19 test, you may be responsible for some of the cost. You should check with your healthcare provider to see if you will be responsible for any out-of-pocket costs.
UPDATE: With the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, Medicare Part B will still cover COVID-19 diagnostic tests that you get from a laboratory, pharmacy, doctor, or hospital, and when a doctor or other authorized health care professional orders it. However, with the end of the COVID-19 emergency you might have cost sharing for tests.
Getting a COVID-19 Test at a Testing Facility
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has the virus, you should contact your healthcare provider. They will be able to order a test for you and let you know where you can go to get tested.
You can also use Medicare’s website to find COVID-19 testing locations near you. You can search by zip code and find locations that offer both drive-thru and walk-in testing.
Getting Over the Counter COVID Tests for Home
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING THE END OF THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY ON MAY 11TH 2023… Medicare covers up to 8 over-the-counter COVID-19 tests each calendar month, at no cost to you, until the Public Health Emergency ends on May 11, 2023. After this it will not cover over-the-counter tests for home use.
You may still be able to get over-the-counter tests covered if you have a Medicare Advantage plan that includes an over-the-counter benefit. Contact our office at 480-821-9188 to see if there are plans in your area with over-the-counter benefits.
As of January 2022, Medicare has started covering OTC COVID-19 tests, which are available for free to Medicare beneficiaries. These tests can be purchased at pharmacies or online and are a convenient way to test for COVID-19 at home.
To get the OTC COVID-19 test kit for free, you’ll need to have Medicare Part B, and the test must be FDA-authorized. You can get up to four tests per month per beneficiary, and the tests can be used for symptom screening or to test for COVID-19.
To get the free OTC COVID-19 test kit, you can visit a participating pharmacy or order the test online. The cost of the test will be covered by Medicare, so you won’t need to pay out of pocket. Keep in mind that not all OTC tests are covered by Medicare. It’s important to check if the OTC test you choose is FDA-authorized before purchasing. Medicare has a list of participating pharmacies on their website.
At-Home Tests Delivered for Free from USPS
You can order one set of 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests from USPS with free shipping by going to USPS.com. It is important to note, the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration is set to end on May 11, 2023. After that date, you will no longer be able to get free at home tests including those delivered from USPS.
In conclusion, COVID-19 testing is an important tool in controlling the spread of the virus, and Medicare covers testing for those who are eligible. If you have symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has the virus, contact your healthcare provider to see if you need a test.
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