Medicare beneficiaries have coverage under Part A for hospitalization due to COVID-19. Other costs for medical services are covered under parts B, C, and D, as well as Medigap. Your costs depend on the part providing coverage.
In March 2020, the
Since then, the virus has caused the deaths of more than 7 millionpeople around the world, including more than 1 million in the United States.
Although we’re no longer living at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many people are vaccinated, data shows that some people can still be hospitalized with severe symptoms. The rate of hospitalization from the virus in 2024 so far is 179 per 100,000 people.
Those most at risk of severe symptoms are older adults and people with existing health conditions. For older adults, in particular, understanding coverage for hospitalization with COVID-19 under Medicare is especially important.
Read on to learn about the specific part of Medicare that covers this and other coverage related to COVID-19.
If you’re hospitalized because of COVID-19, Medicare Part A will cover your inpatient stay for up to 60 days. This is because Part A covers all medically necessary hospitalizations.
Even if you’re expecting to go home after your hospital stay but have to remain in the hospital to quarantine, you won’t be charged any additional fees beyond your deductibles and copays.
The deductible for Part A is $1,632. Most people don’t have to pay a premium for Part A. But if you or your spouse have worked in the United States and paid taxes for fewer than 10 years, your premium will range from $278 to $505 depending on your income.
How many hospital days does Medicare cover?
The cost of hospitalization under Part A is as follows:
| Days of hospitalization | Copay |
|---|---|
| days 1 to 60 | $0 after the deductible |
| days 61 to 90 | $408 per day |
| days 91 to 150 | $816 per day |
| day 150 and above | all costs paid by you |
If you have a Medigap plan along with Original Medicare (parts A and B), it’ll help pay for the Part A copay and hospital costs for an additional 365 days after Medicare Part A stops paying. Some Medigap plans also pay a portion — or all — of the Part A deductible.
Learn more about Medicare Part A coverage.
People in the hospital with COVID-19 might need a ventilator if they can’t breathe on their own. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) defines this treatment as durable medical equipment (DME), which is covered under Medicare Part B.
Additional coverage related to COVID-19 by Medicare includes:
- Testing and vaccines: Medicare covers the necessary testing for the novel coronavirus, as well as the vaccine under Part B.
- Medications: Medicare covers monoclonal antibody treatments under Part B and oral antivirals under Part D.
- Telehealth: Under Part B, you can be evaluated by a doctor virtually through expanded telehealth benefits. This expanded coverage, which occurred during the pandemic, has been extended until December 31, 2024.
The United States currently uses three COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax. According to the CARES Act passed by the U.S. Congress, all COVID-19 vaccines are covered by Medicare Part B.
Here’s how the coverage works:
- If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare, Medicare Part B will cover the cost of your vaccine.
- If you’re enrolled in Medicare Advantage, your vaccine is also covered under Medicare Part B.
- If you’re enrolled in Medicare Part D only, your vaccine won’t be covered by your Medicare plan.
- If you have a Medigap plan, it means you’re already enrolled in Original Medicare. So Medicare Part B will cover the cost of your vaccine.
Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines. You can also find live updates on COVID-19 here, and visit our coronavirus hub for more information about symptoms, treatment, and how to prepare.
The monthly premium for Part B in 2024 is $174.70 per month — or higher, depending on your income — and the deductible is $240. Once you meet the deductible, Part B will pay for 80% of the cost of any medical services.
If you have Medicare Advantage (Part C), the plan should offer the same benefits as Original Medicare, which includes Part B. Some plans may offer additional benefits. In addition, you can purchase a Medigap plan to help reduce your Part B or D costs. Part C, Part D, and Medigap costs vary by plan.
Medicare covers hospitalization for COVID-19 under Part A and offers a wide variety of other COVID-19 coverage for beneficiaries, such as testing, diagnosis, and treatment under parts B, C, D, and Medicare Advantage.
Your out-of-pocket costs depend on the type of service and the part under which it’s covered. To find out your exact coverage and costs for COVID-19 care, contact your Medicare plan administrator for specific information.