If you are wondering how much the Coronavirus test costs, you are not alone. This article will break down the cost of a Covid test depending on your insurance and other factors.
Stay safe and healthy!
How Much Does Coronavirus Testing Cost With or Without Insurance?
Medicare Price Range (PCR/Rapid)
Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 or older, or younger with disabilities. Those enrolled in Medicare won’t have to pay for any diagnostic coronavirus test, be it PCR or Rapid.
Usually, Medicare gets you covered and reimburses any payments you’ve made during Coronavirus testing. Even though it is a federal law for the insurer to cover Covid test cost for medical reasons, some insurers have found a loophole where they are not obliged to cover the expense.
Patients who are to be tested in a laboratory, a hospital, or some medical facilities and have Medicare are exempt from paying. From April 4, 2022, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers eight over-the-counter FDA-approved diagnostic tests per month. If the person with Medicare Part B decides to do more than eight tests in a month, they will need to pay for every additional test out of their pockets.
Out-Of-Pocket Price Range (PCR/Rapid)
The test price is still very high, especially the covid test cost without insurance. The pandemic took us all by surprise, and at the beginning, no one knew how much our lives would change over the past few years.
The only talk during the pandemic was, and still is, how much the testing costs because not everyone could afford to go to a hospital and get the test. If you don’t have insurance, you are probably wondering about the out-of-pocket price range for a PCR and Rapid test.
With all the data available, we come to an average price. The average reported price for a PCR test was around $137, whereas the average price for a rapid antigen test is $189. The good news for those without insurance is that some health insurance plans cover Covid testing. Also, The Families First Coronavirus Response Act is supposed to ensure a free Covid test.
What Affects the Cost of Covid Test
A few other factors that affect the cost of your coronavirus test. Here are some thing that determine the price:
Type of the Test
The most important factor that affects the cost of the coronavirus test is the type of test you are going for. You already know that there are two types of tests, diagnostic tests— PCR and antigen, and antibody tests. Naturally, the cost differs.
Symptom Severity
The second factor that affects how much is a covid test is the symptom severity. If you are asymptomatic, you will not have to pay for the test out of your pocket as it will be covered by insurance. However, if you are experiencing symptoms and need to get tested urgently, the cost of the test may be higher.
Facility fee
The third factor is the facility fee. The price for the coronavirus test may be higher if you go to a private clinic or hospital rather than a public health facility.
Diagnostics Center
The Covid test cost is undoubtedly affected by the diagnostic center. The cost of a coronavirus test at a well-known hospital will be higher than the cost at a smaller, less known facility.
Medicare Insurance Policy
People who have Medicare are exempt from paying for the coronavirus test. For those that have a Medicare insurance policy, the cost of your coronavirus test will be covered.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the cost of a coronavirus test can be pretty expensive if you do not have insurance. The cost of a coronavirus test without insurance typically ranges from $100 to $200, depending on where you choose to take the test. If you have Medicare, especially Medicare B, most of the expenses will be covered by the insurer.
Hopefully, this article helped you understand the price of the services available before getting tested.
