Medicare COVID-19/Coronavirus Coverage

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Medicare continues to have nearly full coverage for COVID-19.  Medicare Part B has nearly complete coverage to help prevent COVID-19.  In addition, Medicare Part A and Part B has additional coverages if you contract COVID-19.

Here is a brief summary of Medicare’s COVID-19 coverage:

  • COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you
  • COVID-19 vaccine booster shot at no cost to you
  • If you have Medicare and have a disability or face other challenges in getting to a location away from home for a vaccination, Medicare will pay a doctor or other care provider to give you the COVID-19 vaccine in your home.
  • You usually pay nothing when your doctor or other health care provider orders diagnostic tests, and you get them from a laboratory (including at a pharmacy, clinic, or doctor’s office) or hospital. You might have cost sharing for COVID-19 diagnostic tests. Some Medicare Advantage Plans might require you to pay part of the cost.
  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) antibody test
  • Monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19
  • All medically necessary hospitalizations. This includes if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 and might otherwise have been discharged from the hospital after an inpatient stay, but instead you need to stay in the hospital under quarantine. You’ll still pay for any hospital deductibles, copays, or coinsurances that apply
  • If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you might have access to these same benefits. Check with your plan about your coverage and costs.
  • N/A – Expanded telehealth services during the Public Health Emergency continue through December 31, 2024
  • N/A – Medicare doesn’t cover over-the-counter (OTC) tests, but as of November 20, 2023, you can visit COVID.gov/tests to place up to 2 orders to get 8 free at-home tests per household

 

Note, you may still need to give your Medicare number to the healthcare provider so they can be reimbursed from the Federal government. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you must use the card from your plan to get your Medicare-covered services.