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iCare Medicare Plan members can access over-the-counter COVID-19 tests at no cost

By Mary Ellen Benzik, MD
 April 11, 2022

Did you know that members of Medicare Advantage plans, including members of the iCare Medicare Plan, now have access to over-the-counter COVID-19 tests at no cost? It's true. 

According to an announcement from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on April 4, 2022, people with Medicare Part B will now have access to up to eight FDA-approved, authorized or cleared over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per month at no cost. 

This is the first time that Medicare has covered an over-the-counter self-administered test at no cost to beneficiaries. This new initiative enables payment from Medicare directly to participating eligible pharmacies and other health care providers to allow Medicare beneficiaries to receive tests at no cost, in addition to the two sets of four free at-home COVID-19 tests Americans can continue to order from covidtests.gov. National pharmacy chains are participating in this initiative, including:

  • Albertsons Companies, Inc.
  • Costco Pharmacy
  • CVS
  • Food Lion
  • Giant Food
  • The Giant Company
  • Hannaford Pharmacies
  • H-E-B Pharmacy
  • Hy-Vee Pharmacy
  • Kroger Family of Pharmacies
  • Rite Aid Corp
  • Shop & Stop
  • Walgreens
  • Walmart

For more information, see this Fact Sheet that addresses questions including:  

  • Who’s eligible?
  • When does this initiative start?
  • How can I get tests through this initiative?
  • And more. 

 

Mary Ellen Benzik, MD

Dr. Benzik is the iCare Chief Medical Officer. 

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Last Updated 4/11/22

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