Does Medicare Cover COVID-19 Antibody Testing?

With 2020 being a year full of unexpected changes and uncertainty, we have noticed a rise in coverage questions regarding COVID-19. Many people are unsure about how the test will impact the pocketbook. One hot topic in the Medicare world today is whether COVID-19 antibody testing is covered by Medicare or not. 

What is an Antibody Test?

Antibodies are proteins in your body, fighting off infections against diseases. An “Antibody Test”, also known as Serology testing, checks your blood to detect coronavirus IgG antibodies. This provides insight when determining if your body produced proteins to fight off COVID-19. Keep in mind there is false positive and negative results. If you hear of someone taking 2 or 3 COVID-19 test, they probably received a false positive.

How is An Antibody Test Conducted?

The method of a COVID-19 antibody test is by drawing blood from your vein or pricking a finger. Once this has been completed, the blood sample will be taken to a lab, which will verify if the antibodies are from the COVID-19 virus.

Is an Antibody Test Covered by Medicare?

If you are enrolled in Medicare Part B, you are covered for a COVID-19 FDA-approved antibody test and will pay nothing. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you will also be waived any out-of-pocket cost for this test.

How Can MWG Senior Services Help?

If you would like to talk with an advisor regarding Medicare coverage for a COVID-19 Antibody Test, please give us a call at (877) 759-5760 or email seniorservices@morganwhite.com.