Alcohol misuse screenings & counseling

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers an alcohol misuse screening for adults (including pregnant individuals) who use alcohol, but don’t meet the medical criteria for alcohol dependency. If your primary care doctor or other health care provider determines you’re misusing alcohol, you can get up to 4 brief, face-to-face counseling sessions each year (if you’re competent and alert during counseling).

How often

Medicare covers an alcohol misuse screening once each year.

Your costs in Original Medicare

You pay nothing if your health care provider accepts assignment .  

Things to know

You must get the counseling in a primary care setting (like a doctor’s office).

Is my test, item, or service covered?