Medicare covers at-home COVID tests with no cost to you

Medicare Part B covers over-the-counter COVID-19 tests you use at home. You can get them free through your pharmacy or by mail, up to a certain number per month. The tests must be FDA-approved, and you do not pay anything at the point of pickup — Medicare pays the pharmacy or supplier directly.

This coverage applies whether you have Original Medicare (Part A and B) or Medicare Advantage. The main difference is how you access the tests: with Original Medicare, you go to a participating pharmacy; with Medicare Advantage, you follow your plan's rules about which pharmacies or suppliers to use.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare Part B covers FDA-approved at-home COVID tests at no cost to you, with a monthly limit that varies by test type.
  • You can pick up tests at most major pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart) or order them by mail without showing your Medicare card or paying anything.
  • Medicare Advantage plans must cover the same tests at no cost, but you should check your plan's preferred pharmacy list first.
  • Tests must be FDA-approved antigen tests; rapid tests you buy at a regular store without using Medicare do not count toward your limit.

How many tests does Medicare cover each month

Medicare covers up to eight over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per person per month. This limit resets on the first day of each month, so if you use six tests in January, you have eight more available starting February 1st.

The eight-test limit applies to all FDA-approved antigen tests combined, regardless of brand or where you get them. If you use tests from multiple pharmacies or suppliers in the same month, they all count toward your eight-test total.

Where to pick up or order your tests

You can get free COVID tests at most major pharmacy chains, including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Kroger. Walk into the pharmacy, tell them you want to use your Medicare coverage, and they will give you the tests at no charge. You do not need to show your Medicare card or fill out paperwork — the pharmacy verifies your coverage electronically.

If you prefer to stay home, you can order tests by mail through several suppliers. Medicare's official list of approved suppliers includes Emed, Vault Health, and others. You order online, provide your Medicare number, and the tests arrive at your address within a few days. Like pharmacy pickups, there is no cost to you.

Some suppliers also offer tests through telehealth visits, where you speak to a clinician by video before taking the test. Medicare covers these visits and the test itself at no cost if the supplier is on the approved list.

What tests Medicare covers and does not cover

Medicare covers FDA-approved antigen tests only — the rapid tests that give results in 15 to 30 minutes. These are the most common at-home tests and include brands like BinaxNOW, QuickVue, and Flowflex. PCR tests (the lab tests that take longer but are more accurate) are not covered under this benefit, though Medicare may cover them in other situations, such as when ordered by a doctor for diagnosis.

Tests you buy yourself at a store without using Medicare do not count toward your monthly limit and do not cost Medicare anything. If you want to use your Medicare benefit, you must get the test through a pharmacy or approved supplier and let them know you have Medicare coverage.

Medicare Advantage and at-home COVID tests

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) must cover the same at-home COVID tests at no cost to you. However, your plan may have a preferred pharmacy list, meaning you get the best coverage by using certain pharmacies. Check your plan's website or call the customer service number on your card to find out which pharmacies are in-network.

If you use an out-of-network pharmacy, you may still get the tests covered, but you should confirm the cost first. Some plans charge a copay for out-of-network pharmacies, while others cover it fully. The easiest approach is to use your plan's preferred pharmacy to avoid any surprises.

What to do if you cannot find tests at your pharmacy

If your local pharmacy is out of stock or does not participate in Medicare's program, you have other options. Call your pharmacy and ask when they expect to have tests back in stock, or try a different pharmacy chain nearby. Many pharmacies can also order tests for you to pick up the next day.

If local pharmacies are not working out, order tests by mail through an approved supplier instead. The wait is usually three to five business days, which is longer than a pharmacy pickup but still faster than waiting for a pharmacy to restock. You can find the current list of approved suppliers on Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

When to ask your doctor about COVID testing

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who has it, a test can help you decide whether to isolate or seek treatment. At-home tests work well for this purpose and are covered by Medicare at no cost.

If you test positive and have risk factors for severe illness (such as being over 75, having heart disease, or taking immunosuppressant drugs), contact your doctor right away. Your doctor may recommend antiviral treatment, which works best when started within five days of symptom onset. Your doctor can also order a PCR test if an at-home test result is unclear or if you need a test for work or travel purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to show my Medicare card to get free tests?

No. The pharmacy or supplier verifies your Medicare coverage electronically using your name and date of birth. You do not need to bring your card, though it does not hurt to have it with you in case the system has trouble finding your information.

What if I use more than eight tests in a month?

Medicare covers only eight tests per month. If you need more, you can buy additional tests out of pocket at a pharmacy or online retailer. The cost is usually $5 to $15 per test when you pay yourself.

Are rapid tests from the drugstore the same as the ones Medicare covers?

They are often the same brand and type, but the difference is how you access them. If you buy a test at the store without using Medicare, you pay for it yourself. If you get the same test through a pharmacy or supplier using your Medicare benefit, it is free. Both are FDA-approved antigen tests.

Can I order tests online if I have Medicare Advantage?

Yes, but check your plan first. Some Medicare Advantage plans have preferred mail-order suppliers, and using them ensures you pay nothing. If you order from a supplier not on your plan's list, you may be charged a copay or the full cost.

Does Medicare cover COVID tests if I travel out of state?

Yes. As long as you use a pharmacy or approved supplier that participates in Medicare, your coverage works the same way in any state. Call ahead to confirm the pharmacy participates in Medicare, or use a national chain like CVS or Walgreens that you know accepts Medicare.