Older adults and those with severe chronic medical conditions have been reported to be at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This means that especially if you have troubles with your heart, lungs, or kidneys you should abide by all recommended health precautions.
Most people receiving Medicare benefits fall under this higher risk category. Because of this, and in response to the Public Health Emergency, Medicare has outlined its coverage in detail specifically for COVID-19.
Coverage
Medicare covers:
- Lab tests for COVID-19. These tests are fully covered when given by laboratories, pharmacies, doctors, and hospitals. You pay nothing in out-of-pocket costs. These tests are meant to diagnose or rule out a diagnosis of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus disease 2019.
- FDA-authorized COVID-19 antibody tests. If you were diagnosed with a COVID-19 infection or suspect a past or current infection, Medicare covers these tests. They detect antibodies for the virus receptors to see if you have developed an immune response to the virus and may not be at immediate risk of reinfection.
- Medically-necessary hospitalizations are covered. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 and need to stay in the hospital under quarantine, you will be covered, even if you might otherwise have been discharged. You will still owe deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance toward your care. You will not be charged extra for a private room if it is necessary for isolation purposes.
- Once a vaccine for COVID-19 is available to the public, it will be covered.
Expanded Coverage
Medicare has expanded its telehealth coverage due to the need for social distancing during this pandemic. You can have office visits, mental health counseling, and preventive health screenings with no copayment if you have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B, not a Medicare Advantage plan). This includes options for virtual check-ins, online patient portals, and audio-only meetings with your healthcare providers.
If you request it, your Part D or Medicare Advantage plan must provide you with a 90-day supply of your prescriptions. Observation stays in the hospital will be charged as outpatient stays. For skilled nursing facility care, Medicare has waived the three-day qualifying hospital stay requirement and is allowing an additional 100 days of SNF care after the first 100 days of the benefit period if you are unable to start a new benefit period because of the pandemic. Home health care can also be ordered by more healthcare professionals and supported by telehealth.
For more information on how Medicare is responding to COVID-19 and for the latest guidelines, visit https://www.medicare.gov/medicare-coronavirus.