Biden Administration Announces Free Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests for Medicare Beneficiaries (Feb. 10, 2022)

The Biden administration announced that Medicare beneficiaries will soon become eligible to receive up to eight free monthly over-the-counter COVID-19 tests beginning in early spring. According to a CMS release, Medicarewill directly reimburse pharmacies and other participating entities for the costs of these tests. Medicare beneficiaries will be able to pick up the tests at participating locations for free. Until the program is launched, Medicare beneficiaries can request up to four at-home COVID tests from thecovidtests.gov website and can continue to access free tests at community testing sites nationwide. The new rule would allow Medicare beneficiaries access to the same number of free tests that must be made available under private health insurance plans under current rules. Medicare Advantage plans may also provide additional benefits, so participants should check their plan's rules.