Update 1/15/22: This new insurance benefit is now live. Below are links to some options which can get reimbursed (some affiliate links are found below):
- Every home in US can get 4 free tests directly from COVIDtests.gov with no credit card number needed
- Amazon: iHealth 2-pack for $19.80
- Target.com: Access bio 2-pack for $21.99
- Walmart.com: BinaxNOW 2-pack for $19.88 (goes in-and-out of stock)
- Costco.com: Flowflex 5-pack for $47.99Â
- Costco.com: Flowflex 25-pack for $199.99
Amazon: On/Go 2-pack for $24Amazon: On/Go 20-pack for $229- Let us know if there are other options to buy these and we’ll add in the links.
Multi-pack tests would presumably count as separate tests for reimbursement, e.g. if you buy a two-pack for $24 you should be able to get the entire $24 reimbursed, but you may want to check with your insurer to verify that. (See also these comments.)
Original Post 1/11/22:
A new rule set in place for U.S. health insurance companies requires them to cover the cost of at-home tests ordered online or purchased from a store. Insurance companies will be required to cover up to $12 per test and up to 8 over-the-counter tests per person each month. This new benefit begins on January 15.
White House press release | FAQ
Pharmacies might be able to give you the products for free and bill insurance directly. If not, you can submit a claim to insurance and get reimbursed afterward. It’s useful to have some at-home tests on hand in case you need to test before travel or after getting symptoms, I’ll probably order a few to keep on hand in case of need.
These rapid Covid tests are still available on Amazon at 2 for $19.80 (affiliate link) so they’d be totally covered beginning January 15, though you might have to submit a claim with insurance.
There are likely non-rapid tests available also for at-home use which require mailing out the test; not sure how much those cost. If anyone has more information on the best options to use, ideally keeping within the $12 allowance, feel free to share in the comments below. We appreciate when readers show respect to each other in the comments. Thanks
Hat tip to Dansdeals
