In case you weren’t already aware, the federal government is issuing four free at-home Covid-19 tests to every household in the U.S. These are rapid antigen Covid-19 home tests that you self-administer using a nasal swab and get results in less than 30 minutes. Orders will be shipped directly to your home via US Postal Service (USPS), usually within seven to twelve days, beginning the week of January 24th. To order online, visit: https://www.covidtests.gov/. Click on “Order Free At-home Tests” button and it will redirect you to the USPS site for you to fill out your name and address. Or, if you prefer to order by phone, please call 1-800-232-0233 (TYY: 1-888-720-7489).
Aside from the four free Covid-19 tests mentioned above, please note that Medicare only pays Covid-19 tests performed by a lab when the test is ordered by an authorized health care professional. For a list of over 20,000 free testing sites across America, visit: https://www.covidtests.gov/#resources. Those of you who have a Medicare Advantage plan should check with your MA plan administrator to see if it directly covers or reimburses you for purchasing additional Covid-19 home tests from your local retail store or pharmacy where Covid-19 home tests may be sold.
For additional information, see the stories online at Vox: https://www.vox.com/recode/22890296/covidtests-biden-free-rapid-test-website and USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2022/01/20/free-covid-test-kits-phone-number/6598811001/
