New Program Provides Medicare Enrollees with Free Over-The-Counter COVID-19 Tests

Medicare enrollees can now get free over-the-counter COVID-19 tests at eligible pharmacies and other participating locations. 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on April 4, 2022, that for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency, Medicare Part B enrollees can receive up to eight at-home tests per month. 

Each test is counted separately, even if multiple tests are sold in a single package. So, eight tests may come in fewer than eight boxes. 

Medicare enrollees should use their red, white, and blue Medicare ID card at participating pharmacies or health care providers. National pharmacy chains are participating, including Albertsons Companies, Inc., Costco Pharmacy, CVS, Food Lion, Giant Food, The Giant Company, Hannaford Pharmacies, H-E-B Pharmacy, Hy-Vee Pharmacy, Kroger Family of Pharmacies, Rite Aid Corp., Shop & Stop, Walgreens, and Walmart. 

Because other eligible pharmacies and health care providers also may participate, Medicare enrollees should check with their pharmacy or health care provider to find out if they are participating. More information also can be found at www.medicare.gov/medicare-coronavirus#300. 

Medicare will cover only over-the-counter tests approved or authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).