Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests: What You Need to Know
The Biden-Harris administration recently announced that private health insurance companies and group health plans will be required to cover the cost of at-home COVID-19 tests. This means that individuals with these types of insurance will be able to get up to 8 free over-the-counter tests per month. This change will go into effect on January 15, 2022.
How to Get Your Free Tests
To get your free tests, you can simply purchase them over-the-counter at any pharmacy or retail store. You will then need to submit a claim to your insurance company or group health plan for reimbursement. The claim can be submitted online, by mail, or by fax.
What Tests Are Covered?
The tests that are covered by this new rule are over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic tests that have been authorized, cleared, or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This includes both antigen tests and molecular tests.
How Many Tests Are Covered?
Each covered individual is eligible for up to 8 free tests per month. This means that a family of four could get up to 32 tests per month. There is no limit on the number of tests that are covered if they are ordered or administered by a health care provider following an individualized clinical assessment.
When Will This Take Effect?
This new rule will go into effect on January 15, 2022.
What If I Don’t Have Health Insurance?
If you do not have health insurance, you can still get free tests through the federal government’s COVID-19 testing program. To find a testing site near you, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website at https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/community-based-testing-sites/index.html.
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