How to Get a FREE Covid Test By Mail
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Every U.S. household is eligible to receive 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests, with no cost for shipping. These tests can help you know if you have COVID-19, allowing you to take appropriate actions, such as seeking treatment or minimizing the risk of spreading it to others.Every U.S. household is eligible to receive 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests, with no cost for shipping. These tests can help you know if you have COVID-19, allowing you to take appropriate actions, such as seeking treatment or minimizing the risk of spreading it to others.
Your free COVID-19 tests will start shipping the week of September 30. You can also sign up for email alerts to track your shipment!
Need assistance placing your order? Call 1-800-232-0233 or TTY 1-888-720-7489 for help.
Extended Expiration Dates
Many COVID-19 tests may be used past the expiration date printed on the box due to extended expiration dates. You can verify the new expiration date by checking the FDA’s list of extended expiration dates.
Get your free tests now and stay protected!
- Limit of one order per residential address
- One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests (COVID.gov/tests has more details about at-home tests, including extended shelf life and updated expiration dates)
- Orders will ship free starting the week of September 25th
How Does an At Home Covid Test Work?
An At Home Covid test is a very easy to administer home test that detects if a person has covid. These tests, called antigen tests, work by looking for the presence of specific proteins associated with the coronavirus. If they are detected, a positive result will quickly show on the test, similar to how a pregnancy test works.
How Many tests can I get?
Insurers must pay for up to eight tests per covered individual per month. So a family of four could get 32 tests each month, for instance.
The government plans to offer 4 tests via their new website.
How to get a FREE at home Covid test from the Government
Starting now, Americans can visit the new website covidtests.gov to order their free covid tests. Through this website, every home in the U.S. can soon order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests will be completely free—there are no shipping costs and you don’t need to enter a credit card number. They also plan to set up a hotline for those who cannot order online.
Do I need a prescription?
No. You will not need to visit a doctor or get a prescription to get the free tests.
How accurate are COVID home test results?
Antigen tests are less sensitive than PCR tests, but they are still pretty accurate, especially when you are most infectious. False positives are relatively rare with antigen tests, so if you test positive you should isolate yourself.
How to get a FREE at Home Covid tests through insurance
If you have private insurance, you will be able to get free tests or be reimbursed for the tests that you purchase. The tests will not be subject to any copays or deductibles. Only tests purchased on January 15 and beyond will qualify for reimbursement.
Make sure to call your insurance company or check their website to see how to receive your free covid tests. Each company will have their own process and ways to obtain your tests.
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