Does Medicare Cover Coronavirus Testing and Treatment. In short, yes, according to Medicare.gov, coronavirus (COVID-19) testing and treatment is covered by Original Medicare. Medicare Part B (outpatient services) covers testing costs. However, only when your doctor or other health care provider who accepts Medicare, orders the test. This is true if you are enrolled in traditional Medicare or if you have a Medicare Advantage plan. Deductible and co-pay costs have also been waived along with associated services such as physician visits or hospital observation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung, or kidney disease are at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. Because Medicare’s beneficiaries are among the most vulnerable to COVID-19, the agency is relaxing some of its rules and expanding some of its services in response to the virus.
Will Medicare cover me if I get COVID-19?
Yes, if you get coronavirus (COVID-19) Original Medicare will cover your treatment as if you were sick with any other illness. Outpatient services are covered under Part B. Medicare Part A (hospital services) will cover you in the event you need hospitalization. This includes a deductible of $1,408 for each stay, and a daily co-pay if your hospital stay exceeds 60 days. If you have Medicare Advantage hospitalization costs vary based on your plan and the length of your hospital stay. A New York Times article reports that a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found for hospital stays of five days or more, at least half of Medicare Advantage enrollees “would pay more than the deductible paid by traditional Medicare enrollees without supplemental coverage.”
In contrast, many supplemental policies will cover 100% of Orignal Medicare’s deductible and co-payments. If you are unsure what your Medicare Supplement covers for hospitalization, you can contact the Insurance carrier directly or a licensed agent at Empower Brokerage can quickly confirm your coverage. 1-888-446-9157
Telehealth
CMS has expanded telehealth coverage, which had previously been restricted from Medicare coverage. Patients are able to connect with any doctor from their home via video on a smartphone or other digital device.
Would Medicare cover a COVID-19 vaccine?
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection, nor is there a specific timeline when it will become available. If a vaccine does become available, however, Medicare will cover it under Part B.
The best way to prevent this illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The CDC recommends everyday preventative actions for this and other respiratory illnesses, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
- Stay home when you’re sick
- See your doctor if you think you’re ill
Does Medicare cover COVID-19?
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