by Beacon Staff
Local residents, many of whom have had difficulty locating at-home COVID-19 tests, will soon have an opportunity to receive free tests sent to their homes.
As of Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, the websites https://www.covidtests.gov/ and usps.com/covidtest are accepting orders for free COVID-19 testing kits. This program is part of the Biden administration's plan to distribute 500 million at-home tests via mail.
The first tests will ship at the end of January; shipments are currently limited to four rapid tests per valid residential address. No credit card is needed to place an order, and health insurance coverage is not required. Due to shipping time, the public is advised to order these tests to have on hand in advance of exposure to or developing symptoms of COVID-19.
In addition to these free tests, private health insurance plans are now required to cover the cost of up to eight at-home coronavirus tests per covered individual per month. This requirement went into effect on January 15, 2022. Depending on the health care plan and pharmacy, insured individuals will either have no up-front cost or will be required to submit receipts for reimbursement.
Americans on Medicare won't be able to get tests reimbursed through the federal insurance plan, but Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program plans are required to fully cover the cost of at-home tests.