Practice Support Services

Updates from CMS: Coverage for COVID 19 tests post-Public Health Emergency

Written by Practice Support Team | May 4, 2023 11:00:00 AM

The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is to end on May 11, 2023. The ending of the Public Health Emergency may impact an individual’s coverage of COVID-19 tests. 

 

Consumer Fact Sheets:

  1. English - https://www.cms.gov/files/document/covid-over-counter-test-coverage.pdf
  2. Spanish - https://www.cms.gov/files/document/covid-over-counter-test-coverage-spanish.pdf

What to tell consumers:

Before May 11, 2023

If consumers have any type of health insurance, they can get up to eight over-the-counter tests per month with no out-of-pocket costs. Over-the-counter tests are available in most pharmacies and may also be available online for delivery.

After May 11, 2023

Laboratory tests for COVID-19 that you order will still be covered with no out-of-pocket costs for people with Medicare. Over-the-counter tests will still be available, but there may be out-of-pocket costs. Coverage of over-the-counter tests may vary by insurance type.

Source and Learn More from CMS: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/cms-waivers-flexibilities-and-transition-forward-covid-19-public-health-emergency