Medicare covers at-home COVID-19 test kits at no cost to you
Medicare Part B covers over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits purchased from a pharmacy or ordered online. You pay nothing out of pocket — Medicare reimburses the full cost up to a set limit. The program covers rapid antigen tests (the kind that give results in 15 minutes) and lab-based tests you mail in yourself.
The coverage applies whether you have symptoms or not. You do not need a doctor's order to get a test kit. You straightforward buy it, submit your receipt to Medicare, and receive reimbursement, or in some cases the pharmacy handles the reimbursement directly at checkout.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare Part B covers the full cost of over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits with no copay or deductible.
- You can buy test kits at pharmacies, online retailers, or through mail-in lab tests without needing a doctor's prescription.
- Reimbursement limits vary — Medicare covers up to 8 test kits per month for most beneficiaries, though this can change.
- Some pharmacies process reimbursement at the register, while others require you to submit receipts yourself to your Medicare plan.
- Tests performed in a doctor's office or hospital are billed separately and may have different coverage rules.
How to get reimbursed for test kits you buy
The reimbursement process depends on where you buy the test. At many major pharmacy chains — including CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart — the pharmacy can process your Medicare reimbursement right at checkout. You show your Medicare card, and the pharmacy bills Medicare directly. You leave with the test kit and pay nothing.
If you buy test kits online or at a pharmacy that does not process Medicare reimbursement on the spot, you will need to submit the receipt yourself. Keep your receipt and contact your Medicare plan (your Original Medicare carrier or your Medicare Advantage plan) to file a claim. Most plans accept receipts by mail, phone, or through their online portal. Reimbursement typically arrives within two to four weeks.
Some beneficiaries receive test kits free through programs run by their state health department or local health clinic. Call your county health department to ask whether free kits are available in your area — this can save you the step of buying and seeking reimbursement.
Monthly limits and what counts toward them
Medicare covers up to 8 test kits per month for most beneficiaries. This means you can receive reimbursement for up to 8 individual tests or 8 test kits (each kit may contain one or more tests). The limit resets on the first day of each month.
Only over-the-counter tests you purchase yourself count toward this limit. Tests ordered by a doctor and performed in a medical setting — such as a test at a clinic, urgent care, or hospital — are billed separately and do not use up your monthly allowance. The same is true for tests ordered through a telehealth visit.
If you reach your 8-test limit before the month ends, you can still buy additional tests, but Medicare will not reimburse them. You would pay out of pocket for any tests beyond the monthly limit.
What types of tests are covered
Medicare covers rapid antigen tests, which you use at home and get results in 15 minutes or less. These are the most common over-the-counter tests and include brands like BinaxNOW, QuickVue, and Flowflex. Medicare also covers at-home molecular tests, which you collect yourself and mail to a lab for results — these are more accurate than rapid tests but take several days.
Tests must be FDA-authorized or FDA-approved to may have access to for coverage. Most tests sold at pharmacies and online retailers meet this requirement. Check the box or product listing to confirm the test is FDA-authorized before you buy.
Antigen tests performed by a healthcare provider in an office or clinic are covered under a different part of Medicare and do not count toward your 8-test monthly limit. The same applies to PCR tests ordered by a doctor.
Coverage for Medicare Advantage plans
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), your coverage for at-home COVID-19 test kits is the same as Original Medicare — the tests are covered at no cost to you. However, the reimbursement process may differ slightly depending on your plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans have their own preferred pharmacies or online retailers where you can get tests with no upfront cost.
Contact your Medicare Advantage plan directly to ask which pharmacies or online retailers they work with for test kit reimbursement. Your plan may also have a different monthly limit than the standard 8 tests, so it is worth confirming before you buy. You can find your plan's customer service number on your insurance card or on your plan's website.
What to do if your pharmacy does not process Medicare reimbursement
Not all pharmacies and retailers are set up to bill Medicare at the register. If you buy a test kit at a store or online retailer that does not process Medicare reimbursement directly, you will need to submit a claim yourself. Save your receipt — it should show the date, the name and quantity of the test kit, and the price you paid.
Contact your Medicare plan and ask how to submit a claim for reimbursement. Original Medicare beneficiaries can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to file a claim or visit Medicare.gov. Medicare Advantage members should call the number on their insurance card. Have your receipt ready when you call, and be prepared to provide your Medicare number, the date of purchase, and the test kit name and cost.
Some plans allow you to upload receipts through their online portal, which can speed up the process. Ask whether this option is available when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get reimbursed for COVID-19 tests I already bought before I knew Medicare covered them?
Yes. You can submit receipts for tests purchased in the past. Contact your Medicare plan with your receipt and purchase date. There may be a time limit for submitting old receipts — typically 30 to 90 days — so submit as soon as you can. Your plan can tell you their specific important date.
Do I need a doctor's order to buy a test kit that Medicare will cover?
No. You can buy over-the-counter test kits without a prescription or doctor's order. Medicare covers them regardless of whether you have symptoms or a doctor's recommendation.
What if I use more than 8 test kits in a month?
Medicare reimburses up to 8 kits per month. Any tests beyond that limit are your responsibility. You can still buy them, but you will pay the full cost out of pocket. The limit resets on the first of each month.
Are COVID-19 tests performed at a doctor's office covered differently?
Yes. Tests ordered by a doctor and performed in a medical setting are billed separately and do not count toward your 8-test monthly limit. These are covered under Medicare Part B as a medical service, not as an over-the-counter product.
Do I need to show my Medicare card when I buy a test kit?
At pharmacies that process Medicare reimbursement at checkout, yes — show your Medicare card so the pharmacy can bill Medicare directly. If you are buying online or at a retailer that does not process Medicare claims, you do not need to show your card at purchase, but you will need your Medicare number when you submit a claim for reimbursement.