How to Use the Medicare "What's Covered" App
The official Medicare "What's Covered" app lets you quickly look up whether a medical service, test, or item is covered by Original Medicare.
3 min read · 5 steps · Checked April 2026
Step 1. Download the official app
Search "What's Covered" in the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). The official app is published by "Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services." It is free. Install it. No login or account required. You can search right away without entering any personal information.
Quick Tip
Quick Tip: You can also access the same information at medicare.gov/coverage and searching there on any web browser.
Step 2. Search for a covered service
On the home screen, tap the search bar and type what you are looking for. For example: "mammogram," "blood test," "physical therapy," "wheelchair," "hearing aid," "diabetes supplies," or "flu shot." Results appear as you type. Tap the most relevant result.
Step 3. Read the coverage details
The result page shows: Does Medicare cover this? (Yes / Yes, with conditions / No). How often. What you pay (usually 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after your deductible). Whether a doctor's order is required. Read the details carefully — "covered" sometimes means "covered under certain conditions" and the conditions are important.
Warning
"Covered" in the app refers to Original Medicare only. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your coverage rules may differ. Your Advantage plan might cover more — or have different rules. When in doubt, call the number on your plan card.
Step 4. Save or share coverage information
Tap the share icon on any coverage page to send the information via text, email, or print it. This is useful for sharing with a family member helping you navigate healthcare, or bringing to an appointment to confirm coverage with your provider.
Step 5. Browse preventive services
Tap "Browse" on the home screen and select "Preventive Services." This shows a full list of free preventive tests and screenings covered by Medicare at no cost to you — things like annual wellness visits, bone density tests, colorectal cancer screenings, cardiovascular screenings, and more. Many Medicare beneficiaries do not know these are free.
The "What's Covered" app is Medicare's official free app that lets you look up whether a medical test, service, item, or medication is covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Instead of calling Medicare or searching a long government website, you can search right from your phone.
This is helpful when:
- You are about to have a test or procedure and want to know if Medicare covers it
- Your doctor recommends an item like a walker, wheelchair, or continuous glucose monitor and you want to confirm coverage
- You want to understand your coverage before going to an appointment
The app shows: whether Medicare covers the service, how often it is covered (yearly, every 5 years, etc.), what you pay (your Medicare coinsurance and deductible), and whether a doctor's referral or prescription is needed.
The app covers Original Medicare (Part A hospital and Part B medical). It does not look up coverage for Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which vary by plan. For Advantage plan coverage, call the number on your plan's card.
The "What's Covered" app is free on iPhone and Android, developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It is an official government app.
Official sources
- Medicare.gov — medicare.gov
- SSA.gov — ssa.gov
- IRS.gov — irs.gov
- USA.gov — usa.gov
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