Medicare typically covers the cost of thyroid tests if a doctor deems them necessary. The diagnostic tools allow the healthcare provider to understand if someone has problems with their thyroid gland.

The thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces hormones that regulate metabolism. If an individual has a thyroid condition, they may experience weight control issues or cardiovascular complications.

This article explores thyroid dysfunction and discusses how Medicare covers thyroid and other blood tests. It also looks at treatments and therapies for thyroid dysfunction and examines costs.

We may use a few terms in this piece that can be helpful to understand when selecting the best insurance plan:

Thyroid dysfunction happens when the thyroid gland either makes too much or too little thyroid hormone.

The thyroid gland has two lobes on either side of the windpipe below the voice box or larynx. This endocrine gland makes two thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, which are chemical messengers controlling metabolism, growth, and mood.

If the thyroid gland does not make enough hormones for the body, this leads to hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid. If the thyroid produces too much hormone, the individual experiences hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid.

In hypothyroidism, symptoms include:

With hyperthyroidism, symptoms relate to increased metabolic rate and include:

Both forms of thyroid dysfunction affect the body in various ways and can lead to a range of symptoms. However, people with minor thyroid dysfunction may not experience any symptoms.

Learn more about common thyroid disorders here.

Different parts of Medicare cover the costs of thyroid tests and treatment.

Original Medicare is Part A, which is hospital insurance, and Part B, which provides medical insurance.

Medicare Part A covers the cost of inpatient stays in a hospital, clinic, or other nursing facilities. Medicare Part B covers medically necessary services in an outpatient setting, doctors visits, and prevention services, including diagnostic and blood tests.

Generally, Medicare covers thyroid testing under Part B, as long as a doctor has ordered the test to diagnose or treat a medical condition.

However, Part A covers the cost if a person is in a hospital or nursing facility, and a doctor orders a thyroid test during their inpatient stay. Medicare Part A also covers the cost if the doctor recommends surgical removal of the thyroid gland.

Learn more about the removal of the thyroid gland here.

People who qualify for Medicare can choose to get coverage through original Medicare (Parts A and B) or a through a Medicare Advantage plan.

While Medicare Advantage plans offer the same basic coverage as original Medicare, private insurance companies offer the plans, which means they may offer additional benefits, such as dental, vision, and hearing care. Many Advantage plans also provide Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.

Learn more about choosing a Medicare Advantage plan here.

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage available to a person enrolled in original Medicare. Private insurance companies offer these plans.

If a doctor prescribes medication because a person has a mild thyroid condition, Medicare Part D covers the cost. People should check their plans list of drugs, called a formulary, to confirm coverage of thyroid medications.

Learn more about Medicare Part D here.

The various treatments and therapies for thyroid dysfunction depend on the severity of a persons condition. Medication is generally the first line of treatment.

Treatment usually includes synthetic thyroxine, which replaces the T4 hormone. The dosage depends on the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in a persons blood.

Doctors use blood tests to monitor hormone levels and then adjust the dose of thyroxine as necessary.

Doctors may also recommend a dietary plan that improves iodine intake, including certain vegetables and soy products. Iodine is essential to healthy thyroid function.

Learn more about TSH tests here.

Doctors prescribe medications that either treat the symptoms of hyperthyroidism or address hormone production. Medications may include:

If the above treatments do not work or are not possible, surgery to remove the thyroid gland could be an option.

Learn about an overactive thyroid and Graves disease.

The cost of a thyroid blood test varies according to the laboratory and the location. Medicare covers most clinical diagnostic tests, including thyroid tests, but a person will generally have some costs, as shown below.

If a doctor orders a thyroid test while a person is an inpatient, Medicare Part A covers the cost after a person has met their deductible. The Part A deductible is $1,484 in 2021 for each benefit period. A benefit period starts as someone enters the hospital and continues for 60 days.

Medicare Part B covers the total cost for thyroid tests. However, a person must meet the annual deductible of $203. Other costs include the basic Part B monthly premium, which is $148.50 in 2021.

Costs for Advantage plans differ. In addition to paying the standard Part B premium, a person enrolled in an Advantage plan will pay the plan premium. In 2020, Advantage plan premiums averaged $25 per month.

Learn about the costs of Medicare in 2021.

Most people generally have zero costs for Medicare-covered clinical diagnostic tests, including thyroid tests. However, if a person needs help to cover the costs of thyroid treatment, they may find assistance from Medigap or Medicaid.

A Medigap plan helps a person enrolled in Medicare pay out-of-pocket costs such as copays, deductibles, and coinsurance that Medicare does not cover. Private insurance companies offer 10 Medigap plans with different levels of cover.

Costs vary by location and plan and can range from $64 to $500 per month.

Learn more about Medigap here.

Medicaid helps low-income, low resource households to access healthcare services. The government funds this program, and individual states set the eligibility criteria for income and assets.

Learn more about Medicaid here.

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and Medicare Advantage plans offer the same level of coverage for thyroid tests. Medicare Part B covers the cost of a blood test done as an outpatient, while MEdicare Part A covers the costs of a thyroid blood test done as part of an inpatient hospital stay.

Both Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans cover the cost of thyroid medication. Medicare Part A also covers the cost of surgery if a doctor deems it necessary to remove the thyroid gland.

The thyroid gland is a small hormone-producing gland in the neck. People can experience problems if they produce too much or too little thyroid hormones that control metabolism and growth.

The information on this website may assist you in making personal decisions about insurance, but it is not intended to provide advice regarding the purchase or use of any insurance or insurance products. Healthline Media does not transact the business of insurance in any manner and is not licensed as an insurance company or producer in any U.S. jurisdiction. Healthline Media does not recommend or endorse any third parties that may transact the business of insurance.

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