By Daniel Petkevich
Dec 21, 2022
Diagnostic tests in a doctor's office, hospital, or pharmacy are covered at no cost to you. In addition to diagnostic tests, you can get up to 8 over-the-counter COVID tests free each month with your Medicare card.
Medicare will cover COVID tests at no cost to you, including diagnostic tests in a doctor's office or hospital and up to 8 over-the-counter COVID tests free each month with your Medicare card.
You may also be eligible for Telehealth visits related to the diagnosis of the coronavirus (COVID-19) if your doctor or other healthcare provider accepts assignment for the service. Medicare will pay all of the cost for these visits and you won’t have to pay a copayment or coinsurance.
In addition, Medicare is expanding coverage to include many lab tests, such as antibody and antigen tests, when ordered by your doctor or another healthcare provider. Medicare will also cover certain services related to COVID-19, such as inpatient hospital care, outpatient hospital care, emergency department visits, and more.
Medicare covers diagnostic tests for COVID-19 infection in a doctor's office, hospital or pharmacy. Medicare also covers up to 8 over-the-counter (OTC) COVID tests per month with your Medicare card. In addition, Medicare coverage is expanding to include many laboratory tests related to the diagnosis and treatment of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Medicare is also covering services related to COVID-19, including inpatient hospital care, outpatient hospital care and emergency department visits. Medicare will cover these services if you need additional medical care due to COVID-19 infection.
If you're looking to get a free diagnostic test through Medicare, you'll need to find a provider that accepts Medicare assignment. You can search for providers in your area by using the Provider Finder tool on the Medicare website. Once you've found a provider, contact them directly to arrange for testing and coverage.
In some cases, you may be able to access free diagnostic tests through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This legislation provides funding for certain testing sites that are available in many states. Check with your state or local health department to find out if there are any CARES-funded testing sites in your area.
Over-the-counter (OTC) tests are COVID tests that you can purchase without a doctor's prescription. Medicare now covers up to 8 OTC test kits per month with your Medicare card. You can find OTC testing kits at many pharmacies, major retailers, and online stores. Make sure to look for the FDA-approved label when selecting an OTC COVID testing kit.
To get a COVID testing kit at your participating pharmacy, all you need to do is show your red, white, and blue Medicare card.
If you're using an OTC test, be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully and contact your doctor right away if you have any questions or concerns.
If you have any questions about Medicare coverage for COVID testing, contact your local Social Security office or visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website. The website also has information on other types of coverage and financial assistance options related to COVID-19.
You can also find help understanding your medical bills at the Health Care Cost Institute website. The website provides tools, resources and tips on how to understand your medical bills and how to negotiate them if needed.
No matter what type of testing you need, it's important that you reach out for help if you're having any difficulty accessing care or understanding your coverage. Medicare is here to support you in getting the care you need during this time.
Medicare covers diagnostic tests for COVID-19 infection in a doctor's office, hospital or pharmacy, and up to 8 OTC test kits per month with your Medicare card. Medicare is also covering services related to COVID-19, such as inpatient hospital care, outpatient hospital care and emergency department visits. Fair Square Medicare is here for all your Medicare-related questions. Call today to speak with one of our Medicare experts.
What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?
Mar 28, 2023
Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?
Mar 28, 2023
Can Medicare Advantage Plans Deny Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?
Mar 28, 2023
What People Don't Realize About Medicare
Mar 27, 2023
Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65
Mar 24, 2023
Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors
Mar 23, 2023
Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas
Mar 22, 2023
How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?
Mar 20, 2023
20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent
Mar 17, 2023
14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Washington, D.C.
Mar 11, 2023
14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville
Mar 10, 2023
14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle
Mar 10, 2023
15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver
Mar 9, 2023
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis
Mar 9, 2023
14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte
Mar 9, 2023
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus
Mar 8, 2023
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia
Mar 7, 2023
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix
Mar 6, 2023
Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2022 Help Button Inc
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M