If you participate in a health plan—through your employer or otherwise—you are likely eligible for free over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for home use. Details vary by plan, but here are basics about this cost-saving opportunity:
- Tests—In many instances, insurance companies are required to reimburse you $12 per individual test. An insurer is required to provide reimbursement for eight tests per month.
- Purchases—Check your health insurer’s retail program for specific locations to pick up a test that is paid directly by your insurance.
- Reimbursement—If you need to be reimbursed for a COVID-19 test (i.e., it was not free at the point of sale), keep your receipts and submit them for reimbursement from your insurance company.
- Alternatives—If you can’t afford to pay for a test upfront and wait for reimbursement, visit a low- or no-cost COVID-19 community testing site. Also, COVID-19 tests administered by a health care provider (e.g., nurse, doctor or pharmacist) are available without cost sharing. Alternatively, get 4 free tests delivered to your home by visiting COVIDtests.gov – Free at-home COVID-19 tests. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order #4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.
Contact us or talk to HR if you have any questions about your plan’s cost limits, preferred purchasing locations and other specifics.
