Medicare covers COVID-19 test kits you use at home, with no cost to you
Medicare Part B pays for over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits when you get them from a pharmacy or other retail location. You do not pay anything out of pocket — no copay, no coinsurance, no deductible. The pharmacy submits the claim to Medicare directly, and you walk out with the tests covered.
This coverage applies to rapid antigen tests (the ones you use yourself at home) and some lab-based tests ordered by your doctor. The program covers up to eight test kits per month, per person. If you have both Original Medicare and a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, your coverage works the same way through either route.
You do not need a prescription or a doctor's order to get the free tests. You straightforward go to a participating pharmacy, ask for a COVID-19 test kit, show your Medicare card, and leave with the tests at no charge.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare Part B covers up to eight COVID-19 test kits per month at no cost to you when you buy them at a pharmacy.
- You do not need a doctor's order or prescription — you can pick up tests directly at any pharmacy that participates in the Medicare program.
- The pharmacy bills Medicare directly, so you show your Medicare card and pay nothing at the register.
- Both rapid antigen tests you use at home and some lab tests ordered by your doctor are covered under this benefit.
- If you have a Medicare Advantage plan instead of Original Medicare, the same coverage applies.
Which pharmacies and retailers accept Medicare for COVID test kits
Most major pharmacy chains participate in the Medicare COVID-19 test kit program. This includes CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, Kroger, Rite Aid, and many independent pharmacies. You can also order tests online from some retailers and have them shipped to your home at no cost.
Not every location of every chain may stock the tests or process Medicare claims, so call ahead if you are unsure. Some smaller pharmacies or rural locations may not yet be set up to bill Medicare directly, though the network has expanded significantly since the program began.
If a pharmacy tells you they cannot bill Medicare for the tests, ask if they can provide an itemized receipt so you can submit a claim yourself. Keep the receipt either way — it documents what you bought and when.
How to get your free COVID-19 test kits
Walk into any participating pharmacy and go to the over-the-counter medication section or ask a staff member where the COVID-19 tests are located. Pick up the brand and quantity you want (up to eight kits per month). Take them to the register.
Tell the cashier or pharmacy technician that you want to use Medicare to pay. Hand over your Medicare card. They will scan it or enter your information into their system. The pharmacy submits the claim to Medicare electronically, usually right there at the register. You leave with the tests and pay nothing.
If the pharmacy's system does not recognize your Medicare number or has trouble processing the claim, ask to speak with the pharmacy manager. They can troubleshoot the issue or provide you with a manual claim form to submit to Medicare yourself.
What types of COVID-19 tests are covered
Medicare covers rapid antigen tests — the home tests that give you a result in 15 to 30 minutes. These are the most common type available at pharmacies. Brands include iHealth, BinaxNOW, Flowflex, and others. Any rapid antigen test sold over the counter qualifies.
Medicare also covers some lab-based COVID-19 tests if your doctor orders them. These are typically PCR tests done at a lab or testing site, not at home. If your doctor thinks you need a lab test, they can order it, and Medicare will cover it with no cost to you.
At-home rapid tests are the easiest route because you do not need a doctor involved and you can pick them up whenever you need them. Lab tests are useful if you want a more definitive result or if your doctor specifically recommends one.
The eight-test-per-month limit and what happens if you need more
Medicare covers up to eight test kits per month per person. This means if you live alone, you can get eight kits. If you live with a spouse who also has Medicare, each of you can get eight kits that month. The limit resets on the first of each month.
If you need more than eight tests in a month, you can purchase additional kits out of pocket at the pharmacy. The cost varies by brand and retailer, but rapid tests typically run $5 to $15 per kit when you pay yourself.
Some people stock up early in the month if they know they will need tests later. Since the benefit resets monthly, you can use your eight kits whenever you want during that month — you do not have to spread them out.
Medicare Advantage plans and COVID-19 test coverage
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) instead of Original Medicare, your plan must cover COVID-19 test kits the same way — at no cost to you, up to eight per month. The coverage is identical because it is a federal requirement for all Medicare plans.
Some Medicare Advantage plans may have additional benefits, such as covering more than eight tests per month or covering tests from specific retailers. Check your plan's summary of benefits or call the plan's customer service line to see if you have any extra coverage beyond the standard eight kits.
If you switch between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan during the year, your test kit coverage continues without interruption. The benefit does not change based on which type of Medicare you have.
What to do if a pharmacy refuses to bill Medicare or charges you
If a pharmacy charges you for a COVID-19 test kit or refuses to submit a claim to Medicare, that is not correct. Medicare requires participating pharmacies to bill the program at no cost to you. Do not pay out of pocket if the pharmacy says Medicare will not cover it.
Ask to speak with the pharmacy manager and explain that Medicare covers COVID-19 test kits with no patient cost. If the pharmacy still refuses or cannot process the claim, leave and go to another pharmacy. Most major chains can process the claim without issue.
If you do pay out of pocket by mistake, keep your receipt. You can submit a claim to Medicare yourself by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or visiting Medicare.gov. Include the itemized receipt showing the date, the test kit brand, and the price you paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a doctor's order to get free COVID-19 test kits from Medicare?
No. You can walk into any participating pharmacy and pick up test kits without a prescription or doctor's order. straightforward show your Medicare card at the register, and the pharmacy bills Medicare directly. A doctor's order is only needed if you want a lab-based test instead of an at-home rapid test.
Can I order COVID-19 test kits online and have them shipped to my home?
Yes. Some retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and CVS allow you to order COVID-19 test kits online and ship them to your home at no cost when you use Medicare. You will need to enter your Medicare information during checkout. Check the retailer's website to see if they ship to your state.
What happens if I use more than eight test kits in one month?
Medicare covers only eight kits per month. If you need more, you can buy additional kits out of pocket at the pharmacy. Costs vary by brand and retailer, typically $5 to $15 per kit. Your eight free kits reset on the first day of the next month.
If I have a Medigap plan along with Original Medicare, do I still get free COVID-19 tests?
Yes. Medigap plans do not affect your COVID-19 test kit coverage. Medicare Part B covers the tests at no cost, and your Medigap plan does not change that benefit. You show your Medicare card at the pharmacy, and the tests are free.
Can I get COVID-19 test kits for family members who do not have Medicare?
No. Medicare coverage applies only to people enrolled in Medicare. Family members without Medicare would need to purchase test kits out of pocket or check whether they may have access to for coverage through Medicaid or another program. Some states and employers also offer free test kits to uninsured people.