Does Medicare Cover At-Home COVID-19 Tests?

It’s hard to believe we have been living with COVID-19 for three years. But now we’re three years wiser and have more options available to help detect and prevent the virus. One of the things that has helped curb the spread of COVID and its variants is at-home testing. We’re exploring at-home test options, Medicare coverage and how that coverage could change later this year.

What is at-home COVID-19 testing?

COVID-19 at-home tests are easy-to-use diagnostics to determine if you have the virus. Most testing kits include nasal swabs to collect samples, testing fluid and the testing cartridge, which will show whether or not you have COVID. Many at-home testing manufactures have also created an app for your phone or a website to help guide you through each step of the process. The test is painless and takes about 15 minutes to get results.

Are at-home COVID-19 tests accurate?

The Food and Drug Administration has stated that positive results from at-home COVID-19 tests are usually accurate. However, it is possible to receive a false negative (meaning that you have COVID-19 but your test reads negative) if your viral load is not high enough for the test to detect. Inaccurate results may also come from user error, as it is possible for people to inaccurately perform the testing steps. When in doubt, it’s best to stay home and rest if you are feeling unwell.

Does Medicare cover at-home COVID-19 tests?

Yes, for now. As part of the Public Health Emergency brought on by the COVID-19 outbreak, at-home tests are currently covered by Medicare. Medicare beneficiaries can claim up to eight free at-home tests per month. That will continue until the national Public Health Emergency ends.

What happens to Medicare COVID-19 coverage when the Public Health Emergency ends?

The date to end the national Public Health Emergency is currently set for May 11, 2023. When that happens, coverage for at-home Covid-19 tests will change. Original Medicare will no longer cover the costs of at-home test kits after May 11th, although some Medicare Advantage plans may still elect to cover them. Original Medicare will continue to cover COVID-19 PCR and antigen tests with no cost sharing when the test is ordered by a health care provider and performed in a laboratory setting. You can read more about Medicare’s transitional COVID-19 coverage here.

Conclusion

At-home COVID-19 tests are an accurate and easy way to determine if you have COVID-19. These tests are user friendly and currently free to Medicare beneficiaries. However, that will change when the national Public Health Emergency ends in May of 2023. At that time, home tests will no longer be free to most Medicare users. So, take advantage of this coverage while it is still available and to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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