Medicare is now covering costs of up to 8 at-home COVID tests a month. What to know
Medicare is now covering at-home COVID-19 tests at no cost, officials said.
Those enrolled in Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage plans are able to get up to eight of the tests each month, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said April 4 in a news release.
“You can get your free over-the-counter COVID-19 tests from any eligible pharmacy or health care provider that voluntarily participates in this initiative, even if you aren’t a current customer or patient,” officials said in the news release.
Before Medicare beneficiaries get their tests, they are encouraged to check if the store is participating in the program. Some of the pharmacies involved in the initiative are listed online at medicare.gov/medicare-coronavirus.
The program started April 4 and is expected to last until the end of the COVID-related public health emergency.
“There are a number of issues that have made it difficult to cover and pay for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests,” officials said Feb. 3 in a news release, McClatchy News previously reported. “However, given the importance of expanding access to testing, CMS has identified a pathway that will expand access to free over-the-counter testing for Medicare beneficiaries.”
Those who have Medicare Part B can receive eight free tests every calendar month but could have to pay if they want more.
Free tests are also available for households to order at covidtests.gov and offered at testing sites throughout the United States.
Health officials have said testing is recommended before gathering with large groups, at least five days after being in contact with a COVID-19 patient or while having coronavirus symptoms, McClatchy News reported.
Anyone wanting information about the new Medicare effort can call 800-633-4227 or 877-486-2048.
This story was originally published April 4, 2022 at 9:36 AM with the headline "Medicare is now covering costs of up to 8 at-home COVID tests a month. What to know."
