HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS

You’ve likely heard about the Coronavirus (officially called “2019-Novel Coronavirus” or “COVID-19”) in the news. While there isn’t a vaccine yet and the immediate health risk remains low, Medicare is still here to help.

Your Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers a test to see if you have Coronavirus. This test is covered when your doctor or a health care provider orders it if you get the test on or after February 4, 2020. You usually pay nothing for Medicare-covered clinical diagnostic laboratory tests.

To prevent the spread of this illness or other illnesses, including the flu:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water,
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze,
• Stay home when you’re sick
• See your doctor if you think you’re ill.

Note: Your provider will need to wait until after April 1, 2020, to submit a claim to Medicare for this test.