Get Free Over-the-Counter COVID Tests Through Medicare
Beneficiaries can get up to eight tests a month through both original Medicare and Advantage plans.
If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, it’s now easier to get free at-home COVID-19 tests. That’s because original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans now cover the costs of over-the-counter COVID-19 tests with no cost-sharing for enrollees.
Medicare beneficiaries can get up to eight tests a month for free. The tests must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are available through pharmacies and other participating healthcare locations. Medicare will provide payment directly to the test provider with no need for beneficiaries to file claims.
This is the first time that Medicare has paid for over-the-counter COVID testing with no costs for enrollees. The Biden administration said in January that private insurance companies would be required to pay for up to eight tests per month for those who are on their plans.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The tests are in addition to the three sets of four at-home tests available to all Americans through covidtests.gov.
Pharmacy chains participating in the Medicare plan include Albertsons Companies, Inc., Costco Pharmacy, CVS, Food Lion, Giant Food, The Giant Company, Hannaford Pharmacies, H-E-B Pharmacy, Hy-Vee Pharmacy, Kroger Family of Pharmacies, Rite Aid Corp., Shop & Stop, Walgreens and Walmart.
Check with your pharmacy or healthcare provider to see if they are participating. You can also find a partial list of providers on the Medicare website.
Elaine Silvestrini has worked for Kiplinger since 2021, serving as senior retirement editor since 2022. Before that, she had an extensive career as a newspaper and online journalist, primarily covering legal issues at the Tampa Tribune and the Asbury Park Press in New Jersey. In more recent years, she's written for several marketing, legal and financial websites, including Annuity.org and LegalExaminer.com, and the newsletters Auto Insurance Report and Property Insurance Report.
-
Should You Invest in CDs? What to Consider
Before putting your money in a certificate of deposit (CD), you should know why banks issue them, how they are used and how they are priced.
By Brian Skrobonja, Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) Published
-
How Retirees Can Minimize the Net Investment Income Tax
One strategy is to consider your filing status, which can affect the net investment income tax (NIIT) that successful retirees pay on certain investment income.
By Derek A. Miser, Investment Adviser Published
-
403(b) Contribution Limits for 2024
retirement plans Teachers and nonprofit workers can contribute more to a 403(b) retirement plan in 2024 than they could in 2023.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
SEP IRA Contribution Limits for 2024
SEP IRA A good option for small business owners, SEP IRAs allow individual annual contributions of as much as $69,000 a year.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2024
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up for 2024. Here's what you need to know.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
SIMPLE IRA Contribution Limits for 2024
simple IRA The maximum amount workers at small businesses can contribute to a SIMPLE IRA increased by $500 for 2024.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
457 Contribution Limits for 2024
retirement plans State and local government workers can contribute more to their 457 plans in 2024 than in 2023.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
Roth 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2024
retirement plans The Roth 401(k) contribution limit for 2024 is increasing, and workers who are 50 and older can save even more.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
7 Things Medicare Doesn’t Cover
Healthy Living on a Budget Medicare Part A and Part B leave some pretty significant gaps in your health-care coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
-
Is a Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?
Medicare Advantage plans can provide additional benefits beneficiaries can't get through original Medicare for no or a low monthly premium. But there are downsides to this insurance too.
By Jackie Stewart Published