(NEXSTAR) — The United States appears to still be facing a summer wave of COVID-19 infections, with test positivity rates above 10% in nearly every region of the country. data This is a statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you are experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms that seem different from anything you’ve experienced before, you may be inclined to get a free COVID-19 test received in the mail as part of a federal program.
However, the last day to order these tests was in early March, meaning that tests obtained from the program’s various distribution waves may have expired since then. Some tests may have had their expiration dates extended, but Food and Drug AdministrationTesting on past dates may produce inaccurate results.
So if you’re stuck with an old test and don’t have one anymore, can you get more tests for free?
Ultimately it depends on whether you have insurance.
Since the Free Federation COVID Testing Program It ended in March and there are no signs of it resuming.
However, uninsured people may be eligible for free COVID testing through expanding community access to testing. (ICATT) ProgramAccording to the CDC, people who don’t have insurance but have COVID symptoms or have been exposed to COVID can get tested for free at more than 22,000 locations nationwide, including CVS and Walgreens stores.
If this criteria is met, CDC websiteHowever, the program is set to end on December 31st, according to the CDC.
If you have insurance, there may not be any free options at all.
The Biden administration had temporarily required insurers to provide tests for free or reimburse the cost of COVID tests, but that requirement has now expired.
However, in some cases, your insurance company may cover the cost of an over-the-counter COVID test, a COVID test ordered by your healthcare provider, or both, depending on your individual plan.
Walgreens The company recommends contacting your insurance company before ordering a COVID test through its pharmacy. A claim will also be submitted to determine if the cost will be covered or if there will be a copay. The retailer notes that even if your insurance plan covers you, it may limit the number of tests you can take per month.
If your insurance doesn’t cover COVID testing, you may be able to pay for the test using HSA or FSA funds. CVS Note.
Medicare will no longer cover or pay for over-the-counter COVID tests for people who receive Medicare Part B benefits. Medicare Part B beneficiaries “Usually you don’t pay anything.” For COVID diagnostic tests ordered by a physician or health care provider who has Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plus may bill you for copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance for COVID laboratory testing. Medicare.gov.
If you have Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, over-the-counter medications and lab COVID tests will be covered through the end of September. After that, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will To tell“The extent of testing may vary by state.”
Eligibility for free COVID testing also depends on where you live. In California, for example, people with Medi-Cal can get up to eight free tests per month. State Health DepartmentMost insurance plans in the state will pay or reimburse enrollees for the same number of home test kits each month.
Before purchasing an at-home COVID test kit, health officials Food and Drug Administration.
Alix Martichoux contributed to this report.
