Here’s what Medicare covers today—and what changed after the public health emergency ended
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The Short Answer
Medicare Part B covers laboratory-conducted COVID-19 tests — like PCR tests and rapid tests performed at a doctor’s office, clinic, pharmacy, or hospital lab — at no cost to you. There is no deductible, copayment, or coinsurance.
However, Medicare does not cover over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID test kits. That temporary coverage ended on May 12, 2023, when the COVID-19 public health emergency officially concluded. According to CMS.gov, Medicare no longer pays for or reimburses OTC home tests for Part B beneficiaries.
Key takeaway: If a doctor or healthcare provider orders a COVID test and it is performed in a clinical setting, Medicare covers it in full. If you buy a test kit at a pharmacy or online and take it at home, you pay out of pocket — unless you have a Medicare Advantage plan that includes this extra benefit.
Lab-Conducted Tests: PCR & Rapid Tests
According to Medicare.gov, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers FDA-authorized COVID-19 diagnostic laboratory tests when they are:
- Ordered or administered by a doctor or qualified healthcare provider
- Performed at a laboratory, doctor’s office, clinic, pharmacy, or hospital
- Medically appropriate for your condition
Both PCR tests (polymerase chain reaction — the most accurate type) and rapid antigen tests performed in a clinical setting are covered. You typically pay nothing for these tests when obtained from a Medicare-participating provider.
The cost-sharing waiver (no deductible, no copayment, no coinsurance) applies under Part B. As the National Council on Aging (NCOA) confirms, “Original Medicare still covers COVID testing with no cost-sharing (no deductible, coinsurance, or copayment) under Part B when the test is ordered by a healthcare provider.”
At-Home (OTC) Tests: What’s Covered Now
This is where most Medicare beneficiaries have questions — and some confusion.
What Changed on May 12, 2023
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, Medicare ran a special demonstration program (April 4, 2022 – May 11, 2023) that covered up to 8 OTC at-home COVID tests per calendar month at no cost to Part B beneficiaries.
Starting May 12, 2023, that demonstration ended. Per CMS guidance:
“Starting on May 12, 2023, Medicare no longer covers or pays for OTC COVID-19 tests for those with Medicare Part B benefits.”
This means purchasing an at-home COVID test from a drugstore, grocery store, or online retailer is an out-of-pocket expense for Original Medicare beneficiaries.
Where to Get Free At-Home Tests Anyway
Even without Medicare coverage, free at-home tests are still available:
- COVIDtests.gov — The federal government still offers free at-home tests to all U.S. households. Visit COVIDtests.gov to order.
- Medicare Advantage plans — Some MA plans may still cover OTC tests as an extra benefit (check with your plan).
- Community health centers — Some offer free tests to eligible individuals.
Antibody Tests
Medicare Part B covers COVID-19 antibody tests when ordered by a doctor or healthcare provider. These tests detect whether your immune system has developed antibodies from a prior infection or vaccination. Medicare.gov lists antibody tests under covered COVID-19 services.
Like diagnostic lab tests, antibody tests ordered by a provider are covered at no cost-sharing under Part B.
Medicare Advantage Plans
KFF confirms that “Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover all Medicare Part A and Part B services, including lab tests for COVID-19.” This means lab-conducted COVID tests are covered by Medicare Advantage just as they are under Original Medicare.
Where MA plans can differ: some may offer additional benefits that Original Medicare does not, including:
- Partial coverage for OTC at-home COVID test kits
- Coverage for a higher number of tests per month
- Reimbursement programs for test purchases
Check directly with your Medicare Advantage plan to learn what, if any, OTC test benefits it offers.
Free COVID Tests Without Medicare
If you do not have Medicare, or if Medicare does not cover your situation, here is where to turn:
For Everyone
- COVIDtests.gov — Free federal program; no insurance or Medicare required. Tests shipped to your door.
- Local health departments — Many offer free community testing sites.
- Pharmacies — Some participate in federal programs offering free or low-cost tests.
For Uninsured Individuals
- HRSA Health Centers — Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide COVID testing regardless of insurance status, with fees based on income.
- Local health department testing sites — Often free for uninsured residents.
How to Get Tested Today
Follow these steps to access covered COVID testing under Medicare:
- Contact your doctor or healthcare provider if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to someone with the virus.
- Ask for a clinical COVID test — your provider will determine whether a PCR or rapid test is appropriate.
- Get tested at a Medicare-participating lab, pharmacy, clinic, or hospital — you pay nothing.
- For antibody testing, explain to your provider why the test is medically necessary (e.g., evaluating immune response).
If you are experiencing severe symptoms (trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion), seek emergency care immediately — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Emergency room visits for COVID-19 are covered under Medicare Part A (hospital insurance).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover rapid COVID tests done at a pharmacy?
If a pharmacist or healthcare provider administers the rapid test in the pharmacy and it is processed on-site or sent to a lab, it is covered by Part B at no cost. However, purchasing a rapid test kit to use at home is not covered.
How many at-home COVID tests does Medicare cover?
As of May 12, 2023, Medicare does not cover at-home OTC COVID test kits under Original Medicare. During the demonstration period (April 2022 – May 2023), Medicare covered up to 8 tests per calendar month. Some Medicare Advantage plans may still offer this as an extra benefit — check with your plan.
Does Medicare Part D cover COVID tests?
No. Part D covers prescription drugs, not diagnostic tests. OTC at-home COVID tests are not covered under Part D. Lab-conducted tests are covered under Part B.
Do I need a doctor’s order for Medicare to cover my COVID test?
For lab-conducted tests, Medicare generally covers them when ordered by a doctor or qualified healthcare provider. The first test does not always require an order, but subsequent tests typically do. Antibody tests require a provider order.
Where can I get free COVID tests without Medicare?
Visit COVIDtests.gov to order free at-home tests. Many local health departments and community health centers also offer free testing regardless of insurance status.
Are COVID-19 vaccines covered by Medicare?
Yes. COVID-19 vaccines are covered under Medicare Part B at no cost. The updated 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccines (including Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech) are covered for all Medicare beneficiaries.
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