Medicare Will Cover 100% of 'Forever Chemical' Testing for Seniors Starting 2028

The “Expanding Seniors’ Access to PFAS Testing Act” is straightforward: it amends Medicare rules to make blood testing for PFAS—those persistent “forever chemicals” found everywhere from drinking water to packaging—completely free for beneficiaries. This isn’t a small tweak; it’s a full waiver of cost-sharing, meaning no copays, no deductibles, and no out-of-pocket costs for the patient when a doctor orders this specific screening.

The Zero-Dollar Blood Test

Starting on January 1, 2028, if your physician determines you need to be tested for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) levels in your blood, Medicare will pick up 100% of the tab. This move effectively treats the test like other preventive screenings, removing the financial barrier that often prevents people from getting tested for environmental exposures. The bill is quite specific about what qualifies, defining “PFAS testing” as a doctor-ordered blood test to measure these substances, and it adds this definition directly into the Social Security Act, which governs Medicare.

Why This Matters for Seniors

PFAS chemicals are linked to serious health issues, and older adults are often more vulnerable to environmental contaminants. Currently, if you wanted this test, you might face a significant bill depending on your Medicare plan and deductible status. This bill changes that equation entirely. For example, if a senior in a community with known water contamination wants to check their exposure levels, they won’t have to weigh the cost of the test against their fixed income. The provision dictates that Medicare will pay the lesser of what the lab charges or the established fee schedule for similar preventive services, covering the full amount.

The Cost Shift to the Program

While this is a huge win for the pocketbooks of Medicare beneficiaries, it’s important to note the financial impact on the Medicare system itself. By waiving 100% of patient costs, the entire expense of this new, covered service shifts to the Medicare Trust Fund. As awareness of PFAS exposure grows and more doctors order these tests, the total expenditure for this screening will increase, which is something taxpayers and current/future Medicare participants need to keep an eye on. However, the trade-off is clear: increased access to potentially vital public health information and necessary screening for one of the most vulnerable populations.