Key takeaways

  • Medicare Part A covers medically necessary hospitalizations, including those due to COVID-19, for up to 60 days, but you’ll need to pay a deductible for each hospital stay.
  • Beyond covering hospital stays, Medicare provides coverage for COVID-19 vaccines, testing, diagnosis, and treatment through Parts B, D, and Medicare Advantage (Part C).
  • Your out-of-pocket expenses for COVID-19 care will vary depending on the specific service you receive and the Medicare part that covers it. Contact your plan administrator for personalized details.

Although we’re no longer at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many people are vaccinated, data show that some people can still be hospitalized with severe symptoms. Those most at risk of severe symptoms include older adults and people with existing health conditions.

Medicare covers medically necessary care, including hospitalization for COVID-19 and complications. This can include:

  • treatment with antiviral medications
  • oxygen therapy or respiratory therapy
  • treatment that helps manage symptoms, such as medications to reduce fever
  • treatment for complications of COVID-19, such as medications for pneumonia
  • intensive care in the ICU

Part A (hospital insurance) covers all medically necessary hospitalizations. If you’re hospitalized because of COVID-19, Medicare Part A will cover your inpatient stay for up to 60 days.

Does Medicare cover 100% of hospital bills?

You will be responsible for paying your Part A deductible once per hospital stay.

If you are hospitalized for more than 60 days, you will pay an additional amount out of pocket for each additional day.

Most people don’t have to pay an annual premium for Part A. But if you or your spouse have worked in the United States and paid taxes for fewer than 10 years, you will be required to pay a premium, which depends on your income.

»Learn more: Part A coverage

People in the hospital with COVID-19 might need a ventilator if they can’t breathe on their own. If you need a ventilator with a breathing tube, it is administered in the hospital and covered under Part A.

If you need other breathing support after you return home, it would be covered as durable medical equipment (DME) under Medicare Part B.

Additional coverage related to COVID-19 by Medicare includes:

  • Testing and vaccines: Medicare covers the necessary testing for COVID-19 and the vaccine under Part B.
  • Medications: Medicare covers monoclonal antibody treatments under Part B and oral antivirals under Part D.
  • Telehealth: During the pandemic, you could be evaluated by a doctor virtually through expanded telehealth benefits. This expanded coverage was extended until December 31, 2024. However, as of 2025, people with Medicare Part B may have access to limited telehealth services. Whether telehealth services for COVID-19 are covered depends on where they live, with most services available only to people in rural areas.

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.

You are required to pay a monthly premium and an annual deductible with Part B. Once you meet the deductible, Part B will cover 80% of the approved cost of necessary medical services.

Medicare Advantage and Medigap

If you have Medicare Advantage (Part C), the plan must offer similar benefits to Original Medicare (parts A and 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, D, and Medicare Advantage (Part C).

Your out-of-pocket costs depend on the type of service and the part under which it’s covered. Contact your Medicare plan administrator for specific information to find out your exact coverage and costs for COVID-19 care.