Folate (Folic Acid), Serum
What it measures
Folate is a B vitamin your body needs to make red blood cells. This test measures the folate in your blood. The test covered here is the regular blood test, not the red blood cell version.
When it’s ordered
Anemia, numbness or tingling, poor diet, and conditions that keep the gut from absorbing vitamins.
Medicare coverage
Medicare judges coverage case by case under its medical-necessity rules. Medicare does not publish a national list of diagnoses for this test. The local Medicare contractor in your state may have its own rules.
Typical price
Medicare pays a set rate of $14.70 for this test (2026 fee schedule). When Medicare covers this test, you pay nothing. A lab can bill far more if you pay on your own or if Medicare denies the claim, so ask for the price first.
One thing to watch
Ask your doctor to write the symptom or condition on the order.
Look up the current Medicare allowable for Folate (Folic Acid), Serum →
Rates and coverage rules shown apply to Original Medicare (Fee-for-Service) only. Medicare Advantage plans may differ. See our data sources →