The public health emergency due to COVID-19 is set to end May 11, 2023. And with that so will Medicare’s coverage of over-the-counter COVID-19 tests. Currently, and before May 11th, Medicare covers up to eight over-the-counter (OTC) tests per month with no out of pocket costs. OTC tests are available at most pharmacies.
After May 11, Medicare will continue to cover laboratory tests for COVID-19 that are ordered by your provider at no cost, but will no longer cover any OTC COVID-19 tests. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, check with your plan benefits to see whether or not they are still covered.
For more information, see the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services consumer fact sheet, Coverage for COVID-19 Tests in English and Spanish.
