Due to the current surge in the Omicron variant of COVID-19 , getting tested for the virus is becoming harder and harder as retailers and clinics are simply running out of tests. The good news is that the US government has just launched an official website that will offer free COVID-19 test kits to US homes. While the website was only scheduled to open on Wed, Jan 19th, they decided to do a soft launch today, Tues Jan 18th. Every home in the U.S. can order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests will be completely free—there are no shipping costs, nor is a credit card required.
Thanks to the new ruling by the US government, every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free and orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. We suggest that you order your free COVID-19 tests now so you have them when you need them. If you suspect that you currently have COVID-19 and need a COVID-19 test now, please see below for free testing locations in your area.
If you need a test sooner and don't want to wait for your free COVID-19 tests to be shipped by mail, you are still in luck. A new ruling has been published on January 15 that requires health insurers to cover up to 8 at-home COVID-19 tests per covered individual, per month. You will be able to purchase a kit from a pharmacy, store, or online retailer and make a claim with your insurer using the receipt from your purchase. Some insurers are even making agreements with retailers to provide the reimbursement at the point of purchase, with no up-front cost from you. Check with your insurer to see if any of these agreements exist or to learn how to submit a claim for reimbursement. For more information on the free COVID-19 test insurance reimbursements, click here.
If you can't wait to get your in home COVID-19 tests, or you just don't feel comfortable testing yourself, you can still get tested for COVID-19 free of charge at a local testing site. No-cost antigen and PCR COVID-19 tests are available to everyone in the U.S., including the uninsured, at more than 20,000 sites nationwide. Low or no-cost COVID-19 tests are available to everyone in the U.S., including the uninsured, at health centers and select pharmacies nationwide. Additional testing sites may be available in your area, and we recommend you contact your health care provider or your state or local public health department for more information.
