UPMC for Life Applauds CMS Announcement to Pay for COVID Tests for MA Members

Pittsburgh (April 8, 2022) – UPMC Health Plan commended this week's Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services' (CMS) announcement that Medicare will now cover COVID-19 testing kits for original Medicare and MA beneficiaries enrolled in Part B at no cost to the consumer.

"Today's announcement from CMS is an important step in providing Medicare Advantage and Medicare members with additional COVID testing coverage," said Angela Perri, Chief Medicare Officer for UPMC Health Plan. "This federal investment will ensure enrollees will be able to access needed COVID tests without impacting their benefits or premiums. It also provides them with peace of mind as they begin to participate in community activities."

With the CMS announcement, more than 59 million Americans with Medicare Part B, including those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, now have access to up to eight US Food & Drug Administration-approved, authorized, or cleared over-the-counter COVID-19 tests at no additional costs per month.

Testing for COVID-19 remains a critical defense in fighting the pandemic and reducing the spread of the virus. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the number of vaccines administered to Pennsylvanian residents exceeded 18 million.

###

About UPMC Insurance Services

Serving more than 4 million members, UPMC Insurance Services is owned and operated by UPMC, a world-renowned health care provider and insurer based in Pittsburgh, Pa. UPMC Insurance Services includes commercial products from UPMC Health Plan for groups as well as individuals. Commercial products also include workers' compensation and employee assistance from nationally known Workpartners®. Government products include Medicare Advantage (UPMC for Life); special needs plans for those eligible for Medicare and Medical Assistance (UPMC for Life Complete Care and UPMC Community HealthChoices); Medical Assistance (UPMC for You); and Children's Health Insurance Program (UPMC for Kids), and Community Care Behavioral Health. For more information, visit upmchealthplan.com.