Does Medicare cover Covid-19 testing?

Medicare beneficiaries are seniors over the age of 65, a particularly vulnerable demographic when it comes to Covid-19 infections.

If you are on Medicare, you may be wondering about Medicare covid testing and coverage. Covid-19 diagnostic testing is covered in full under Original Medicare, so it is important to understand just how this coverage works.

Does Medicare cover Covid-19 testing?

Medicare covers Covid-19 testing under Medicare Part B benefits. This means if you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, you do not need to pay for the test. Your Medicare plan will cover all costs for Covid-19 testing, including deductibles and copays. You will not incur any out-of-pocket costs for Covid-19 testing as a Medicare beneficiary.

As a Medicare beneficiary, you can receive free Covid-19 testing from any accredited testing center, including laboratories, pharmacies, drive-through locations, urgent care centers, doctor’s offices, or hospitals. You can also get at-home tests from participating health centers, clinics, or pharmacies.

Medicare beneficiaries in in-patient care, skilled nursing facilities, or hospice care are also covered for Covid-19 testing under Original Medicare.

Does Medicare pay for rapid covid tests?

Rapid covid tests are antigen tests that detect the presence of the Covid-19 virus in the patient sample, usually within minutes.

Medicare Part B covers rapid covid testing in full with no coinsurance fees applied. You can get tested free of charge at any participating clinic, pharmacy, or urgent care center.

Any Medicare beneficiary who is enrolled for Part B coverage is also covered for up to eight over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per calendar month. This means you can purchase a rapid covid test over the counter at no charge from participating pharmacies and healthcare providers.

Keep in mind that you need to present your Medicare red, white, and blue card to receive your free Covid-19 tests.

Does Medicare cover PCR covid test for travel?

In some cases, you may be required to get a PCR covid test before travel. Provided you are enrolled in Medicare Part B, Medicare will cover all costs for a PCR covid test for travel.

Part B of Medicare covers PCR tests for COVID-19 diagnosis from any participating testing facility, including laboratories, urgent care centers, and some parking lot testing locations.

Unlike rapid tests, PCR tests cannot be done at home since they require laboratory testing to identify the presence of viral DNA in the patient sample. Although PCR tests take longer, they are more accurate than rapid Covid-19 tests.

Other Covid-19 services covered by Medicare

Apart from Covid-19 testing, Medicare beneficiaries also receive coverage for the following Covid-19 services:

Covid-19 vaccines and boosters

All Covid-19 vaccines and boosters are covered in full under Medicare. This means you are not required to pay any deductibles or copays to get a Covid-19 vaccine or booster shot. The provider will bill Medicare on your behalf, so you need to present your Medicare card when going for the vaccine.

Covid-19 treatment

If your Covid-19 test comes back positive, Medicare will cover the cost of your Covid-19 treatment. This includes monoclonal antibody treatment and Covid-19 hospitalization if required. However, if you require hospitalization, you will be required to meet your Part A deductibles, copays, and coinsurance fees.

Covid-19 telehealth services

Medicare also covers the cost of telehealth services for Covid-19-related care. This means that your Medicare plan will cover the cost of your telehealth consultation, but you may be required to pay deductibles or coinsurance for this coverage.