April 26, 2023
After three years, President Biden has ended the COVID-19 public health emergency in the United States.
During the height of the pandemic, Medicare declared coverage for COVID-19 vaccines and boosters (including Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson). Additionally, Medicare covered testing at a COVID-19 testing facility and up to eight at-home testing kits per month.
Now that the public health emergency (PHE) has been lifted, you may be wondering if your Medicare coverage will pay for COVID-19 services, such as vaccines, tests, and treatment. COVID coverage may depend on the type of Medicare plan you have. Here is what you can expect now that the PHE has concluded:
- Vaccines: Original Medicare (Parts A and B) will continue to cover COVID-19 vaccinations without cost-sharing.
- Testing: When ordered by a physician, Medicare will continue to cover COVID-19 PCR and antigen tests. Original Medicare will not cover over-the-counter/ at-home COVID tests. Some Medicare Advantage plans may include coverage for these types of tests as an additional benefit.
- Treatment: Medicare coverage for COVID-19 treatments such as Paxlovid and Lagevrio are not changing. Depending on the treatment or situation, Medicare may pay a portion and cost-sharing would apply.
