Medicare and at home Covid tests

[elayne24]

Am I misunderstanding something? It looks like the Federal government is requiring private insurers to pay for at home Covid tests, but not Medicare?

Please correct me if I am wrong!

Layne

[AARPRachelA]

Hello everyone, I work with AARP and hear your frustrations. Is anyone willing to speak with a reporter about being unable to get at-home tests because you are enrolled in Medicare? If so, please reach out to media@aarp.org to connect with AARP's External Relations staff. They will be able to tell you more about the interview opportunity and answer any questions you may have.

[spartaneagle]

HI --- I'd be glad to speak to a reporter about this. I'll send an email to the email address you posted. Thanks for the information. JEFF SMITH / Michigan

[spartaneagle]

You're understanding it correctly Elayne. It's crazy. Medicare doesn't cover at-home Covid tests like private insurance companies do!!! We're in one of the most vulnerable groups and it's not covered!! I've been calling and writing my Congresswoman, US Senators, and the White House about this. AARP: what are you doing to help us get these tests covered through Medicare? Thanks.

[elayne24]

That was my opinion too. I was surprised to find there was not more seniors questioning it. At this point, they are telling people that Covid is just something we have to accept as an illness we have to live with.  It seems like they are throwing those of us in our "golden years" under the bus.😐

[nancyian]

No need for insurance starting on Wednesday.  Americans will be able to begin ordering rapid COVID-19 tests to their homes free of charge starting Jan. 19 from the federal government. Starting Wednesday, you can order a test from covidtests.gov which the federal government will send out at no cost — including no shipping fees.

[elayne24]

But will these free tests be sent out regularly, or is this a one time deal after which everyone who has private insurance will utilize that for their tests?

[spartaneagle]

Hi --- right now - these tests won't be sent out regularly and it's only four at home tests per household that you can order. Yet people with private insurance can get more, that are covered by their insurance at drug stores, etc ---- but Medicare doesn't cover any additional tests than the 4 that the govt is sending out if you request them. Folks need to contact their Congressperson and US Senators and the White House, like I did, demanding that Medicare cover at home tests. THANKS

[ReTiReD51]

.

At this time Original Medicare is not part of the free-test program