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The thyroid is a gland that regulates many bodily functions. There are a few conditions that affect the thyroid that can cause health issues.
A common one is hyperthyroidism. This is when your thyroid is overactive and releases too many hormones. On the other hand, hypothyroidism is the exact opposite.
If you think you are having some problems with your thyroid, it is best to undergo a test.
So a common question many people have is, “does Medicare cover a thyroid blood test?” In this article, we answer that question in clear, plain English. You will also find the average costs of thyroid blood tests and other helpful info.
The short answer is yes; Medicare will cover the cost of thyroid blood tests. But not 100% of the time. As is often the case with Medicare, certain conditions have to be met in order for Medicare to pay for your thyroid blood tests. Below we look at what these are so you know what to expect.
Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) provides coverage for thyroid blood tests. Coverage for thyroid blood tests is provided by Medicare Part B. However, for Medicare Part B to provide coverage for your thyroid blood tests, you must meet the following conditions:
Here are some reasons why a thyroid blood test may be medically necessary:
Most of the time, Medicare Part B provides coverage for two thyroid tests per year for those who are clinically stable. However, you may get additional coverage if you have prior authorization from Medicare.
Medicare Part B will provide coverage for frequent thyroid blood tests if you:
Most of the time, Medicare Part B provides coverage for 100 percent of the costs of medically necessary laboratory tests, including a thyroid blood test.
Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) also provide coverage for thyroid blood tests. They cover everything Original Medicare covers plus some additional benefits. However, exactly what it covers and what your out-of-pocket costs are will vary depending on the specifics of your plan.
A thyroid blood test may cost somewhere from $30 to $500, depending on what type of test you will be having. One of the cheaper tests is the T3 test, which ranges from around $35 to $100. Radioactive iodine uptake tests are some of the most expensive tests, costing from around $300 to $500.
Note: Medicare coverage changes all the time. And your specific coverage may vary from plan to plan for Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. Always be sure to double check with your health care provider and/or Medicare insurance provider about what your plan covers and what it does not.
This article is part of our series on “What does Medicare cover?”
Also, you can check out other articles in this series including: Does Medicare cover pneumonia shots?