Insurers Applaud New Medicare Coverage for OTC COVID Tests

Medicare Part B will now cover eight over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests per month with no cost sharing for beneficiaries starting April 4, according to a new Biden administration policy. Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries will be able to order the tests from a government website or acquire them from participating retailers through the end of the public health emergency.

The new benefit will not require much participation from Medicare Advantage plans, although their members are eligible to receive it. Members can submit purchases for reimbursement or obtain the tests for free from retailers.