The 2019-novel coronavirus (aka COVID-19) is rapidly spreading while scientists, the CDC, and government officials are figuring out how to best handle and contain the disease. While a vaccine hasn’t been developed yet, countries are intensifying their efforts to halt the infection via testing, education and quarantine.

Medicare intervenes

This week Medicare.gov announced that Medicare Part B will cover a test to see if you have the coronavirus. The test will be covered if your doctor orders it, and if you were tested on or after February 4, 2020.

Though your provider will need to wait until April to be able to submit a claim to Medicare for the test, after that, you’ll usually end up paying nothing.

In the meantime, to help prevent the spread of the illness (and other illnesses), the CDC recommends:

  • Washing your hands often with soap and water
  • Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Staying home when you’re sick
  • Seeing your doctor if you think you’re ill
•March 5, 2020