Medicare and COVID-19: What Is Covered for Testing, Treatment, and Vaccines

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted Medicare to rapidly expand coverage and remove cost barriers for beneficiaries. Here is what Medicare covers for COVID-19 -- and why seniors need to take this virus seriously.

Medicare covers COVID-19 diagnostic testing at no cost to beneficiaries -- no copay, no coinsurance, no deductible.

What's covered:

• Laboratory PCR tests ordered by a doctor or other healthcare provider
• Rapid antigen tests ordered by a provider
• Over-the-counter at-home tests (coverage expanded under emergency authorization)

Where to get tested: Doctor's offices, urgent care centers, hospital outpatient departments, pharmacies, and community testing sites.

Medicare covers COVID-19 treatment under existing Part A and Part B benefits:

Hospitalization (Part A): Inpatient hospital care for COVID-19 is covered under Part A. The Part A deductible applies -- Medigap Plan G covers this deductible.

Outpatient treatment (Part B): Physician visits, monoclonal antibody infusions, and other outpatient treatments are covered under Part B at 20% coinsurance after the deductible. Medigap Plan G covers this 20%.

Emergency care: Emergency department visits for COVID-19 are covered under Part B.

Ventilator and ICU care: Covered under Part A for inpatient stays.

Medicare covers COVID-19 vaccines at no cost -- no copay, no coinsurance, no deductible -- when administered by a Medicare-enrolled provider.

What's covered:

• Initial vaccine series (all FDA-authorized vaccines)
• Booster doses as recommended by the CDC

Where to get vaccinated: Doctor's offices, pharmacies, community vaccination sites, and health departments.

In response to the pandemic, Medicare dramatically expanded telehealth coverage -- allowing beneficiaries to receive care from home via video or phone. Key expansions:

• Telehealth available to all Medicare beneficiaries (not just those in rural areas)
• Audio-only telephone visits covered for many services
• Mental health services via telehealth
• Expanded list of covered telehealth services

Many of these telehealth expansions have been extended beyond the initial public health emergency period.

Medicare beneficiaries -- particularly those over 75 and those with chronic conditions -- face significantly higher risk of severe COVID-19:

• Adults 65+ account for the majority of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths
• Chronic conditions (heart disease, diabetes, COPD, obesity, kidney disease) increase risk of severe illness
• Immunocompromised individuals (cancer patients, transplant recipients) are at especially high risk

Protective measures:

• Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
• Wear a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor settings
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Wash hands frequently
• Ensure good ventilation in indoor spaces

• Medicare.gov: medicare.gov/medicare-coronavirus for the latest Medicare COVID-19 information
• CDC: cdc.gov/coronavirus for testing locations, vaccine information, and guidance
• Florida Department of Health: floridahealth.gov for Florida-specific resources

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.