Medicare covers COVID-19 tests at no cost to you

Medicare Part B covers COVID-19 diagnostic tests, antibody tests, and at-home test kits without charging you a copay, coinsurance, or deductible. This means you pay nothing out of pocket when you get tested through a Medicare-approved provider or pharmacy. The coverage applies whether you have symptoms or are getting tested for screening purposes.

The test must be ordered by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant — you cannot straightforward walk into a pharmacy and get a free test without a provider's order. However, that order can come from a telehealth visit, an urgent care clinic, or your regular doctor's office, and it takes only a few minutes to arrange.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare Part B covers COVID-19 diagnostic tests, antibody tests, and at-home test kits with no copay or deductible when ordered by a healthcare provider.
  • You must have a provider's order to receive the test for free; you cannot purchase a test on your own and ask Medicare to reimburse you.
  • Tests performed at hospitals, urgent care clinics, pharmacies, and doctor's offices are all covered if the provider is Medicare-approved.
  • If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), your coverage may differ, so check your plan documents or call your plan's customer service.

Where you can get a free COVID-19 test

You can receive a covered COVID-19 test at your doctor's office, an urgent care clinic, a hospital, or a pharmacy such as CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid. Many of these locations offer rapid tests that give results in 15 minutes, as well as PCR tests that take longer but are more accurate. Call ahead to confirm the location accepts Medicare and has tests in stock.

At-home test kits are also covered. You can order them online through certain retailers, or your doctor can write you a prescription for a specific brand. When you pick up or receive an at-home kit, you will not be charged if the provider is Medicare-approved and you have a valid order from your healthcare provider.

If you do not have a regular doctor, you can call your local urgent care clinic or visit a community health center and ask for a COVID-19 test. Many will see you without an appointment. Telehealth services also offer COVID-19 testing — you have a video visit with a provider, describe your symptoms or reason for testing, and they send the order to a nearby lab or pharmacy.

What happens if you pay out of pocket first

If you pay for a COVID-19 test yourself without a provider's order, Medicare will not reimburse you. This is why it is important to contact your doctor or an urgent care clinic before you go to get tested, rather than buying a test at a drugstore on your own.

If you have already paid for a test and believe you should have been covered, you can contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to ask about your specific situation. Keep your receipt and any paperwork from the test location. Medicare may review the claim, but reimbursement is not may provide if you did not have a provider's order at the time of the test.

Medicare Advantage plans and COVID-19 testing

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) instead of Original Medicare, your coverage for COVID-19 tests is the same — no copay, coinsurance, or deductible. However, the specific pharmacies and testing locations covered by your plan may be different from those covered by Original Medicare.

Before you get tested, call your Medicare Advantage plan's customer service number (on the back of your insurance card) and ask which locations near you are in-network for COVID-19 testing. Using an in-network provider ensures you will not be charged. If you use an out-of-network location, you may be billed, even though the test itself is covered under Medicare rules.

How to order a COVID-19 test

The first step is to contact your doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. You can call your doctor's office, send a message through your patient portal if your office has one, or schedule a telehealth visit. Tell them you want a COVID-19 test and whether you have symptoms or are testing for screening.

Your provider will write an order (sometimes called a prescription or requisition) for the test. They will either give you the order to take to a testing location, or they will send it directly to a pharmacy or lab. Once the order is in place, you can go to the testing location at your convenience. Bring your Medicare card and any identification the location requests.

If you do not have a regular provider, call an urgent care clinic in your area and ask if they can order a COVID-19 test for you. Many urgent care clinics will see you the same day or next day without an appointment. You can also search online for "COVID-19 testing near me" and call locations to ask whether they accept Medicare and can order a test for you.

What to bring when you get tested

Bring your Medicare card and a photo ID. The testing location will scan your Medicare information to confirm your coverage. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, bring that card instead of your Original Medicare card. If you have both Original Medicare and a Medigap or Medicaid plan, bring all your cards.

If your provider gave you a written order, bring that as well. Most testing locations will have your order on file already, but having a copy prevents delays. If you are getting an at-home test kit, the pharmacy or mail service will verify your Medicare information when you pick it up or when it arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a COVID-19 test if I have been vaccinated?

Medicare covers COVID-19 tests for anyone, regardless of vaccination status. Whether you need a test depends on your symptoms and your doctor's recommendation. If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms, your doctor may recommend testing. Medicare will cover it if your provider orders it.

Are rapid tests and PCR tests both covered?

Yes, Medicare covers both rapid tests (results in 15 minutes) and PCR tests (results in one to three days). Both are covered with no copay when ordered by a healthcare provider. The type of test your provider orders depends on your situation and what is available at the testing location.

What if my doctor will not order a test for me?

If your doctor declines to order a test, you can go to an urgent care clinic or community health center and ask for one there. You can also call your state health department to ask about free testing options in your area. Some locations offer testing without a doctor's order, though Medicare coverage may vary in those cases.

Can I get more than one free test?

Yes, Medicare covers multiple COVID-19 tests. There is no limit on the number of tests you can receive. If you need to be tested again, contact your provider or a testing location and request another test. Each test is covered at no cost to you as long as you have a provider's order.

Will my test results go to my doctor?

Usually yes. When you get tested, the lab or testing location will send your results to the provider who ordered the test. Results typically arrive within one to three days, depending on the type of test. You can also ask the testing location how you will receive your results — some send them by email, phone, or patient portal.