General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsMedicare does not pay for COVID-19 testing?
I just received a bill from my Blue Cross Medicare carrier regarding my recent Covid test (Negative! YAY!), which listed I pay $15 for the office visit but since they denied payment for the covid test itself, will cost me $64.97. Total I owe= $79.97
I'm over 65 years old, treating for asthma, developed a cough and just traveled cross-country through states with high covid rates. Aren't any or all those concerns worthy of my requesting a covid test?
Big Blue Marble
(4,978 posts)Have you called your insurer?
jimfields33
(15,473 posts)Yours sounds the highest Ive heard. I wonder if you can negotiate down.
Big Blue Marble
(4,978 posts)Liberal In Texas
(13,453 posts)Medicare Advantage is basically private insurance. You get some extra goodies like gym memberships but you are still at the mercy of private insurance.
My straight Medicare with a covid test in April left a balance of $110 which was sent on to my secondary insurance (a private insurance company from my previous employer, a retirement benefit) and either they paid the whole thing or there was only a little left over for me to pay.
Interestingly the test was billed to Medicare at $7761.00 (!) and Medicare Approved $547.77 and paid $439.93.
Frankly, the feds should be making tests free to anyone who wants it and testing materials and labs ramped up like we were on a war footing. And don't get me started on contact tracing.