COVID-19 and Medicare. What is Covered?

​COVID-19

COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. As we all have been in the grips of this global pandemic for over a year, we won’t go into a great deal of information on COVID-19 in this article. Suffice it to say, older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions such as heart or lung disease, diabetes or End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) are at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. As a result, those on Medicare should pay particular attention to their overall health during this time.

​What is Covered by Medicare Regarding COVID-19?

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) is what would be covering much of the items regarding COVID-19. In general Medicare Part B covers two types of services: Medically necessary services and preventive services. Under the category of “medically necessary” are services and supplies that are needed to diagnose or treat your medical condition. “Preventive services” fall under health care to prevent illness (like the flu or coronavirus) or detect it at an early stage, when treatment is most likely to work best.

​Are COVID-19 Tests Covered by Medicare?

Yes, under Part B, Medicare covers most COVID-19 tests. You pay nothing for this test when you get it from a laboratory, pharmacy, doctor, or hospital, and when Medicare covers this test in your local area. This includes tests done to help your health care provider diagnose or rule out COVID-19. In some circumstances, a home health nurse, laboratory technician, or an appropriately-trained medical assistant may collect your specimen in your home for this test.¹ Medicare Part B also covers a COVID-19 antibody (or “serology”) test.²

​Are the COVID-19 Vaccines Covered by Medicare?

Yes, again Medicare Part B covers the FDA approved COVID-19 vaccines. Medicare covers the vaccine at no cost to you. Be sure to bring your Medicare card so your health care provider or pharmacy can bill Medicare.³

​Where Can I Get the COVID-19 Vaccine in Arizona?

It is strongly encouraged to check with your doctor or health care provider to see if you are currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and if there are locations near you that it is being administered. The Arizona Department of Health Services has created a section on their website that currently has the vaccination locations, as well as the current eligible cohorts⁴: https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease-epidemiology/index.php#novel-coronavirus-find-vaccine

​CSG Medicare Pros, Qualified and Licensed Medicare Brokers

CSG Medicare Pros agents are experienced and licensed specializing in Medicare Health Insurance providing Medicare (parts A and B), Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Prescription (Part D) plans. We serve Medicare recipients in every county in Arizona including in the cities of Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Apache Junction, Gilbert, Tucson, Kingman, Bullhead City, Prescott, Flagstaff, Yuma, Sierra Vista and more. CSG Medicare Insurance Agents are independent, licensed and appointed with multiple insurance carriers to give you a wide variety of choice. For more information, call (480) 635-4050 or (928) 263-8500.