Free Medicare Coverage of Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests

Effective April 4, 2022, Medicare will cover the costs of Over-the-Counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests for individuals with Medicare Part B, including individuals enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, for the duration of the National Public Health Emergency. Medicare will not cover OTC COVID-19 tests for individuals who only have Medicare Part A (hospital insurance).

OTC COVID-19 tests are tests that can be obtained without a prescription and that can be completely administered without the involvement of a health care provider, and without having to be mailed to a laboratory for results. 

People with Medicare Part B, or who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, can get up to eight (8) free OTC COVID-19 tests per month by bringing their Medicare card to any pharmacy or provider participating in the OTC COVID test program, even if they aren’t a current customer or patient. Tests paid for out-of-pocket cannot be submitted to Medicare for reimbursement.

Additional information about COVID-related items and services covered by Medicare, as well as a partial list of pharmacies participating in the OTC COVID-19 test program, can be found at www.medicare.gov/medicare-coronavirus.