clear when the hotline will launch.
White House Launches Website for Free Home COVID Tests One Day Ahead of Schedule
RELATED: Need an At-Home COVID Test? Here’s Help Finding and Using One
The late January delivery date set by COVIDTests.gov may come just as supply issues at pharmacies and elsewhere around the country begin to ease, so federal officials are stressing that the website is just one option for Americans looking for at-home tests.
Beginning Saturday, new regulations have required that private insurers pay for up to eight at-home rapid COVID tests per month, reimbursing enrollees for tests purchased online or at pharmacies.
Prescriptions or doctors’ orders won’t be needed, and the tests won’t be subject to copays or deductibles.
According to CNN, insurers may set up a network of preferred stores, pharmacies and online retailers where consumers can receive tests at no cost upfront.
If you choose to buy tests outside that network, insurers would only have to reimburse up to $12 for each one. You can contact your insurer to find out if they provide direct coverage or if claims must be submitted.
Unfortunately, many Medicare enrollees are not eligible for the free home tests from retailers. Traditional Medicare, however, does cover COVID-19 testing done in a lab when ordered by a medical professional at no charge.
Those enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans can check with their insurers to see if the costs of the home tests will be covered.