The Biden administration, seeking to fill a frustrating gap in COVID-19 testing coverage, announced on Thursday that people with Medicare will be able to get free over-the-counter tests much more easily in the coming weeks.
to cover up to eight at-home tests a month free of charge to people on their plans.
AARP praised Medicare’s decision and said it will closely follow the rollout. “The cost of paying for tests and the time needed to find free testing options are barriers that could discourage Medicare beneficiaries from getting tested, leading to greater social isolation and continued spread of the virus,” Nancy LeaMond, a vice-president of the advocacy group for older people, said in a statement.
Medicare also will continue to cover the more precise lab-based PCR tests at no cost, but those must be ordered by a clinician or an authorized health care professional.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Medicare to Cover Cost of At-Home COVID-19 Tests Starting in the SpringThe tests will be available to people who have Medicare's “Part B” outpatient benefit. Here's where to get the over-the-counter tests for free.
Read more »
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer tests positive for Covid-19House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer announced Tuesday that he had contracted Covid-19 and is 'experiencing mild symptoms,' becoming the latest member of Congress to test positive for the virus.
Read more »
Olympic hockey coach with Alaska ties tests positive for COVID-19 in ChinaSteve Thompson, the goaltending coach for Team USA’s women’s ice hockey team, has been in isolation for six days. He’s one of the dozens of coaches and athletes whose Olympic experience has been shaped by China’s “Zero COVID” policy.
Read more »
Airlines urge White House to stop COVID-19 tests for inbound travelersAirlines are urging the Biden administration to remove pre-departure COVID-19 rules for vaccinated passengers from overseas
Read more »
Pfizer asks FDA to allow COVID-19 vaccine for kids under 5Pfizer on Tuesday asked the U.S. to authorize extra-low doses of its COVID-19 vaccine for children under 5, potentially opening the way for the very youngest Americans to start receiving shots as early as March.
Read more »
When can children younger than 5 get vaccinated against Covid-19?Children younger than 5 in the United States could begin receiving Covid-19 vaccinations this month or next if the US Food and Drug Administration moves quickly to authorize the shot for this age group.
Read more »