How to Get a Free COVID-19 Over-the-Counter Test at Home

 How can I acquire a free COVID-19 exam that I may do at home?

Most people with a health plan can purchase an at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic test authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at no cost, either through reimbursement or free of charge, beginning January 15, through their insurance. This is true whether you bought your health insurance on your own or received it through your employer.

If your health plan has direct coverage, the test will be free at the point of sale, or you will be reimbursed if you are charged for the test. If you need to file a claim to your insurance carrier for payment, retain your receipt. You can still get tests from other merchants outside your plan's network if your project has established a network of preferred providers where you may get a test for no out-of-pocket cost. Insurance companies must reimburse you up to $12 per individual test (or the test cost if it is less than $12).

How much would I be reimbursed if I purchase an at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 test and subsequently submit a claim for reimbursement to my insurance provider?

Keep your receipt and make a claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement if you acquire an over-the-counter COVID-19 test from a pharmacy, store, or internet retailer and are charged for your test. If your plan does not include a network of recommended stores, pharmacies, or internet merchants where you may get a trial without paying anything out of pocket, you will be reimbursed for the cost of the test. For example, if you spend $34 on a two-pack of tests, your plan or insurance will pay you $34.

If your plan has established a network of recommended stores, pharmacies, and online retailers where you can get a test for no cost, you can still get texts from other retailers if you purchase them outside of that network. Your insurance company must reimburse you up to $12 per individual test (or the test cost if it is less than $12). Save your receipts to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement at a rate of at least $12 per individual test (or the test cost if it is less than $12).

Why would these businesses be motivated to pay for the costs upfront?

Suppose a plan or insurer establishes a network of convenient options, such as pharmacies or retailers, including online retailers, through which members of their programs can have the cost of their tests covered upfront (at the point of sale). In that case, it is allowed to set a per-test reimbursement limit for retailers outside of that network. If a plan or insurer provides this sort of direct coverage option, the method or insurer can set a limit of $12 per test for tests acquired outside of its network (or the actual price of the trial, if less). Many commercially accessible at-home tests cost less than $12 each.

If the plan or insurer does not set up a method for people to have tests without paying anything up ahead, the program or insurer must repay the full cost of the trial, even if it costs more than $12. For example, if an individual purchases a two-pack for $34 and the plan or insurer does not have a method to cover costs upfront, the program or insurer will be required to pay the $34 rather than the $24. 

Where can I get COVID-19 tests over-the-counter that I may take at home?

Customers may shop at stores both online and in person. The Biden-Harris Administration is also encouraging health plans and insurers to establish a nationwide network of convenient locations, such as pharmacies or retailers, including online retailers, where people can get COVID-19 tests for free at the point of sale rather than having to submit claims for reimbursement. Consumers can find out if their plan or insurer covers over-the-counter COVID-19 testing directly through a network of recommended pharmacies or shops by contacting their plan or insurer.

What if I can't afford to pay for the COVID-19 at-home, over-the-counter test(s) in advance?

Health plans and insurers are compelled to establish a network of convenient locations, such as pharmacies and stores. Consumers may purchase online or walk in and pick up free at-home COVID-19 tests rather than going through the hassle of filing claims for reimbursement. Consumers can find out if their plan or insurer covers over-the-counter COVID-19 testing directly through a network of recommended pharmacies or shops by contacting their plan or insurer.

Free testing is also available in the community. You may find a list of community-based testing sites here. Tests for COVID-19 are also available without a cost-sharing arrangement.