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Does Medicare Cover Covid-19?
Medicare has released the new Medicare & You 2022 handbook. Looking through it, you’ll notice some new coverages and listed updates, including a section that details Medicare coverage for Covid-19 that will apply through the ongoing crisis. The coverages include vaccinations, testing, antibody testing, and monoclonal antibody treatment.
Vaccine Coverage
Medicare will cover the cost of Covid-19 vaccines. The vaccine must be FDA-authorized to qualify for coverage. Coverage should take care of the cost completely so you should pay nothing for these vaccinations, however, it is important to bring your Medicare card with you when you see your vaccine provider to ensure that Medicare is properly billed for it. For those who are unable to leave their home, coverage may include the cost to have a provider come to you and administer the vaccine.
Testing
If you suspect that you have Covid and need testing, Medicare will cover the cost of FDA-authorized testing. If you have had Covid previously or suspect that you may have had it but remained undiagnosed, you should consider antibody testing. Your coverage may cover the costs of antibody testing to establish whether you have developed antibodies from previous exposure. This information may be helpful in evaluating your risks for infection or reinfection.
Monoclonal Antibody Treatment
Monoclonal antibodies have been shown to help curb the infection and keep people out of the hospital. Those with mild to moderate symptoms are encouraged to seek this treatment early on to minimize their risks. Medicare may completely cover the costs of this treatment. The treatment must be provided through a Medicare provider or supplier. To qualify for this coverage, recipients must first meet certain health requirements. Be sure to discuss these with your provider prior to scheduling treatment. Currently, the three requirements that must be met are a positive test for Covid-19, a mild to moderate case, and a high risk of progressing to a severe case or needing hospitalization.
These coverages have all been added to Medicare’s benefits for 2022 to help during the ongoing health crisis. However, you’ll want to stay informed as coverages may change once the crisis has ended.
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Cali Naughton graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington. She joined the marketing team at Empower Brokerage in the spring of 2021 as a marketing specialist and the department photographer.
