Medicare coverage
Does Medicare Cover Alcohol Misuse Screening?
Yes. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers an alcohol misuse screening if you’re eligible.
Yes: Part B
Source: Medicare.gov, Alcohol misuse screenings & counseling, checked October 23, 2026.
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Coverage at a glance
- Covered?
- Yes
- Which part
- Part B
- What you pay
- You pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment.
- How often
- Once a year
- Type
- Preventive service
- Part B deductible 2026
- $283 a year (CMS). Part B premium $202.90 a month.
- Medicare.gov page
- Alcohol misuse screenings & counseling
Description
Alcohol misuse screening tests include questions about your alcohol use. Your primary care doctor or other health care provider reviews your responses to check for alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorders.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Coverage details
If your health care provider determines you’re misusing alcohol, you can get up to 4 brief, face-to-face counseling sessions each year.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Who's eligible
You're an adult who uses alcohol, but you don't meet the medical conditions for alcohol dependency.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Costs
You pay nothing if your health care provider accepts assignment.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
How often
Once a year.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Facility
You must get the counseling in a primary care setting (like a doctor’s office).
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
National Coverage Determinations
- NCD 210.8: Screening and Behavioral Counseling Interventions in Primary Care to Reduce Alcohol Misuse
Version 1, effective October 14, 2011
An NCD is the national rule CMS writes for when Medicare pays for an item or service. Local coverage determinations (LCDs) from each Medicare contractor can add detail. Read the NCD text on the CMS site.
Related pages
- Does Medicare Cover Depression Screening?
Yes
- Does Medicare Cover Mental Health Counseling?
Yes
- Does Medicare Cover Inpatient Mental Health Care?
Yes
- Does Medicare Cover Intensive Outpatient Programs?
Yes
- Does Medicare Cover Partial Hospitalization?
Only in certain cases
- Does Medicare Cover Opioid Use Disorder Treatment?
Yes
- Medicare Part B deductible 2027
- Part D out-of-pocket max 2027
- Dual eligible: Medicare and Medicaid together
- 2027 Medicare plans by county
- Everything Medicare covers, A to Z
Questions
Does Medicare Cover Alcohol Misuse Screening?
Yes. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers an alcohol misuse screening if you’re eligible.
Which part of Medicare covers Alcohol Misuse Screening?
Medicare.gov lists Alcohol misuse screenings & counseling under Part B.
How much do you pay for Alcohol Misuse Screening with Medicare?
Per Medicare.gov: You pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment.
Is there a national coverage determination for Alcohol Misuse Screening?
Yes. CMS NCD 210.8, Screening and Behavioral Counseling Interventions in Primary Care to Reduce Alcohol Misuse, version 1, effective 2011-10-14.
Does a Medicare Advantage plan cover Alcohol Misuse Screening?
Medicare Advantage plans must cover what Original Medicare covers and some offer extra benefits. Check the plan's Evidence of Coverage. Rivvi does not recommend plans.
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Does Medicare Cover Alcohol Misuse Screening?
Yes. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers an alcohol misuse screening if you’re eligible.
Checked against Medicare.gov 2026-10-23. Source: Rivvi