Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnostic laboratory tests
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers FDA-authorized COVID-19 diagnostic tests
Description
These tests check to find out if you have COVID-19.
Coverage details
- Medicare covers and you pay nothing for:
- Tests to diagnose or aid the diagnosis of COVID-19
- Some tests for related respiratory conditions to aid diagnosis of COVID-19 done together with the COVID-19 test
- Medicare also covers COVID-19 antibody tests, COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatments, and COVID-19 vaccines.
Costs
You usually pay nothing when your doctor or other health care provider orders this diagnostic test, and you get it from a laboratory (including at a pharmacy, clinic, or doctor's office) or hospital that takes Medicare.
If you're in a Medicare Advantage Plan, check with your plan to find out if you have any out-of-pocket costs.
Ask your doctor or healthcare provider how much your test, item, or service will cost.
Your doctor may recommend services that Medicare does not cover or offers too frequently. This could end up in additional costs for you. Make sure to ask your doctor about the reasons for these recommendations and what Medicare will actually cover.
Specific amounts you could owe depend on:
Other insurance you may have
How much your doctor charges
If your doctor accepts assignment
The type of facility
Where you get your test, item, or service