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.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
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.
-
Will Utah Stop Taxing Social Security Benefits?
Retirement Taxes Utah Gov. Spencer Cox wants to end the state's tax on Social Security income.
By Kelley R. Taylor Published
-
IRS Shakeup? What Trump's Commissioner Pick Could Mean for Taxes
IRS An unconventional nominee comes amid broader efforts to reshape the IRS and tax policy in 2025.
By Kelley R. Taylor Published
-
457 Plan Contribution Limits for 2025
Retirement plans There are higher 457 plan contribution limits for state and local government workers in 2025 than in 2024.
By Kathryn Pomroy Last updated
-
Medicare or Medicare Advantage: Which Is Right for You?
From overall costs to availability of care, here's what to know about the differences between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.
By Paola Bianchi Delp Published
-
What Does Medicare Not Cover? Seven Things You Should Know
Healthy Living on a Budget Medicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
By Donna LeValley Last updated
-
Medicare Basics: 11 Things You Need to Know
Medicare There's Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans and so on. We sort out the confusion about signing up for Medicare — and much more.
By Catherine Siskos Last updated
-
Six of the Worst Assets to Inherit
inheritance Leaving these assets to your loved ones may be more trouble than it’s worth. Here's how to avoid adding to their grief after you're gone.
By David Rodeck Last updated
-
SEP IRA Contribution Limits for 2024 and 2025
SEP IRA A good option for small business owners, SEP IRAs allow individual annual contributions of as much as $69,000 in 2024 and $70,000 in 2025..
By Jackie Stewart Last updated
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2024 and 2025
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
By Jackie Stewart Last updated
-
SIMPLE IRA Contribution Limits for 2024 and 2025
simple IRA The SIMPLE IRA contribution limit increased by $500 for 2025. Workers at small businesses can contribute up to $16,500 or $20,000 if 50 or over and $21,750 if 60-63.
By Jackie Stewart Last updated