The Biden administration announced Thursday that Medicare Advantage and Medicare beneficiaries will be eligible to receive free COVID-19 over-the-counter tests starting in the early spring.
According to a Thursday media release, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the plan will allow for eight tests per month.
Medicare is the federal insurance program that covers Americans 65 years and older. It also covers Americans with disabilities or with certain diseases.
CMS stated in the release that this was the first time Medicare has covered an over the counter test without charging beneficiaries.
There are many issues that make it difficult to pay for COVID-19 over-the-counter tests. CMS recognizes the importance of expanding access and has created a pathway to allow Medicare beneficiaries to access free, over-the-counter testing.
There have been criticisms of the Biden administration’s handling of some aspects of the pandemic. This includes its response to provide free and easy access testing for all Americans.
The federal government responded by announcing that Americans could request four free at-home screenings, which would be delivered to their homes starting in the first quarter of this year. To support this effort, the administration bought half a billion tests.
Biden has long acknowledged the fatigue that many COVID-weary Americans feel as the pandemic enters its third year. Biden acknowledged that his team could have done more testing earlier in the year.
“This initiative will allow Medicare beneficiaries to receive free tests by paying directly from Medicare to participating pharmacies and other participants. CMS stated that the CMS expects this option to be available to Medicare beneficiaries in the spring.
Since last month, individuals with private insurance plans can apply for reimbursement for up to eight tests per person per month.
