Medicare Covers Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests

Effective April 4, 2022, Medicare will pay for up to eight free over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per calendar month under Medicare Part B.

Medicare Part B members can get over-the-counter COVID-19 tests at any participating pharmacy or health care provider by showing their red, white, and blue Medicare card. A partial list of participating pharmacies can be found online.

Medicare will cover these tests if you have Medicare Part B, including those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare won’t cover over-the-counter COVID-19 tests if you only have Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) coverage.

Call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227) with any questions about this initiative. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Additional information is available at CMS.gov.