How to get free at-home COVID tests through insurance [masslive.com]

Beginning Saturday, many Americans can access free at-home COVID tests through their private insurance as part of a new federal program.

The free at-home tests can be obtained through pharmacies, retailers and online vendors.

Americans with private insurance will be able to access up to eight at-home COVID tests for free per covered individual per month, according to the White House. For context, a family of four who are all on the same insurance plan would be able to obtain 32 tests per month at no cost.

“As part of the requirement, the administration is strongly incentivizing plans and insurers to allow people to get these tests directly through preferred pharmacies or retailers with no out-of-pocket costs, with the plan or insurer covering the cost upfront, eliminating the need for people to submit reimbursement claims,” the White House wrote in its release.

Americans without private insurance will not be able to obtain the tests for free through the program and are encouraged to access tests through local community health centers. More information for those without insurance looking to access tests can be found here.

The Biden administration will also be purchasing one billion tests at-home, rapid COVID tests to distribute to Americans at no cost.

A half-billion tests will be available for order on Jan. 19 online at COVIDTests.gov. The tests will be mailed directly to homes and are expected to ship within 7-12 days of ordering.