Reimbursing Your At-Home COVID-19 Tests
January 10, 2022
On January 10, 2022, the Biden Administration issued guidance that required private insurers to reimburse people for up to eight at-home COVID-19 tests per-member, per-month, beginning on January 15. The federal law does not require insurance companies to reimburse for tests purchased before January 15, 2022 and private insurers will cover these tests at a cost of up to $12 per-test (not per-box).
Private/Employer-Base Insurance: You can expect to either have the test covered by your insurance company at the point of purchase at a pharmacy or by submitting a reimbursement and receipt to your insurer. Please check with your insurance company to find out their process for getting the cost of these tests covered.
Medicare: People in Medicare (either Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans) will be able to receive at-home COVID-19 tests at participating pharmacies at no cost starting in early spring 2022. Under the new initiative from the Biden administration, Medicare beneficiaries will be able to get up to eight at-home COVID-19 tests per month for free. Tests will be available through eligible pharmacies and other participating entities. See these
Frequently Asked Questions for additional information, or call 1-800-MEDICARE with questions about where to find a COVID test kits at no cost.
Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): As part of the American Rescue Plan, state Medicaid and CHIP programs are required to cover FDA-authorized at-home coronavirus tests, but coverage rules may vary by state. Check with your state agency for specific coverage details.
Free Testing: Every household in the United States can now
order 4 free over-the-counter COVID-19 tests shipped via the United States Postal Service or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS. No insurance or payment information will be required but there is a limit of 4 test per-household.
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