Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers up to 8 over-the-counter Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-authorized COVID-19 tests each calendar month. This could change in May 2023, when the Biden Administration plans to end the COVID-19 public health emergency. Until that happens, Medicare covers these costs for people enrolled in Part B.1
Let’s explore some more information on Medicare and COVID-19 testing, as well as treatments, vaccines and boosters.
Types of COVID-19 testing covered by Medicare
There are 2 types of COVID-19 tests covered by Medicare: diagnostic and antibody. Understanding what each test does can help you choose the best test for your needs.
Diagnostic COVID-19 tests
Diagnostic tests are the basic tests to see if you have COVID-19. Part B covers the diagnostic tests you get from a participating and eligible laboratory, pharmacy, doctor or hospital. You can also get up to 1 free lab-performed diagnostic test during the COVID-19 public health emergency without an order.2
Antibody COVID-19 tests
Antibody (or “serology”) tests help see if you’ve developed an immune response to COVID-19 and may not be at immediate risk of reinfection. Part B covers all FDA-authorized COVID-19 antibody tests.3
Note: Some Medicare Advantage (MA) plans may offer additional coverage and payment for at-home COVID-19 tests. You can also order 4 free at-home COVID-?19 tests from the Department of Health and Human Services.
What COVID-19 treatments do Medicare cover?
If you test positive for COVID-19, Medicare may help cover some of the costs of monoclonal antibody treatments and hospital stays.
Monoclonal antibody treatment
If you have mild-to-moderate symptoms, monoclonal antibody treatments can help you fight COVID-19 and potentially avoid a hospital stay. This treatment involves an infusion of monoclonal antibodies (specifically bamlanivimab, or casirivimab and imdevimab) to treat COVID-19.4
Part B covers FDA-authorized COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatments and products if all of these apply:5
- You tested positive for COVID-19.
- You have a mild-to-moderate case of COVID-19.
- You’re at high risk of progressing to a severe case of COVID-19 and/or at high risk of requiring hospitalization.
Hospital stays due to COVID-19
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers all medically necessary hospitalizations. This includes if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 and were discharged after inpatient hospital care but need to stay longer under quarantine. You’ll still pay any hospital deductibles, coinsurance or copays that apply to your stay under quarantine.6
Recent updates to Medicare coverage for COVID-19 testing
On Jan. 30, 2023, the Biden Administration announced plans to end the national emergency and public health emergency declarations related to COVID-19 on May 11, 2023. For information on how this will affect Medicare testing and coverage, check out what happens when COVID-19 emergency declarations end.
Will Medicare pay for COVID-19 vaccines and boosters?
Yes, Medicare covers the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots at no cost to you. Remember to bring your red, white and blue Medicare card to your appointment, even if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Your health care provider or pharmacy will need your Medicare number to bill Medicare.7
Humana helps cover COVID-19 testing
Some Humana Medicare Advantage plans help pay for COVID-19 testing. For more information on testing, vaccines and treatment, visit our Coronavirus FAQ page.
