Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests Available Through Medicare
The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare for all. For Medicare beneficiaries, obtaining free at-home COVID-19 tests through the mail is now easier than ever.
COVIDTests.gov Provides Free Tests By Mail
In January 2022, the federal government launched COVIDTests.gov allowing every residential household in the U.S. to order a total of 4 free at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen tests shipped conveniently to their doorstep through First Class Package Service.
This initiative helps increase access and awareness of free COVID-19 test kits available by mail nationwide. As of January 2023, COVIDTests.gov remains active with plans to continue the program throughout 2023 and each U.S. household can place a third order for free at-home tests.
How Medicare Beneficiaries Can Get Free COVID Tests By Mail
Any individual enrolled in Medicare qualifies to receive 4 free COVID-19 test kit orders per residential address. You do not need to be currently exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or have known exposure in order to place orders.
To order, simply visit COVIDTests.gov and enter your name and residential mailing address. If you have trouble accessing the website, Medicare beneficiaries can also place orders for free at-home COVID tests by calling 1-800-232-0233.
Other Options for Free COVID Tests
In addition to using COVIDTests.gov, Medicare also covers up to 8 over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID-19 tests per member per month. You can obtain these tests for free through preferred pharmacies and retailers that accept Medicare.
When purchasing OTC test kits, you will need to show your red, white and blue Medicare card at the pharmacy or retailer counter. There is a monthly limit of 8 tests that Medicare will reimburse at $0 out-of-pocket cost to you.
At-Home COVID Tests Help Protect Vulnerable Medicare Populations
Making free COVID test kits easily accessible by mail for Medicare beneficiaries helps increase testing rates among higher risk individuals. COVID-19 can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, and death - outcomes seen at disproportionate rates among older adults and those with underlying medical conditions.
Higher COVID Risk Among Medicare Beneficiaries
In the United States, over 63 million people are enrolled in Medicare coverage. This includes senior citizens over 65 years of age as well as younger adults with permanent disabilities or end stage renal disease.
Due to age and prevalence of chronic health conditions, Medicare members face increased risks for COVID-19 complications and mortality compared to the general population. Accessing free test kits by mail eliminates barriers to regular COVID-19 screening.
At-Home Testing Improves Health Outcomes
The CDC continues to recommend routine COVID-19 testing for high risk individuals, even if they do not have active symptoms. Catching infections early allows for prompt isolation and medical care if needed.
At-home antigen testing improves compliance since Medicare members can screen themselves in the comfort of home versus traveling to community testing sites while sick. Mailed test kits also ensure access for homebound seniors and members with limited mobility.
Free At-Home Test Kits Remain An Important Public Health Tool
While the United States transitions to an "endemic" phase of living long-term with COVID circulation, access to free mail-ordered test kits and Medicare coverage of OTC tests remains an important public health strategy headed into 2023.
Monitoring Emerging COVID Variants
As the SARS-CoV-2 virus evolves, constant surveillance is needed to detect emerging variants and changes in transmission rates. Widespread at-home testing facilitates large-scale data collection on positive tests and real-time tracking of geographic trends.
This helps inform public health messaging and interventions to manage new outbreaks. Offering free mailed test kits eliminates cost barriers that would otherwise deter frequent screening.
Preparedness for Future Surges
Pandemic response leaders warn that while trends are currently stable in early 2023, conditions could change leading to another surge in coming months. Increasing immunity in the population from vaccination and prior infection may mitigate but not fully prevent periodic regional outbreaks.
Continuing to distribute free at-home COVID test kits by mail ensures the infrastructure and supply chains are in place to seamlessly increase testing capacity if case rates spike. Medicare's coverage of OTC kits provides further stability heading into future uncertainties.
FAQs
How many free COVID test kits can I get from COVIDTests.gov?
Every residential household in the U.S. is eligible to order an additional set of 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests through COVIDTests.gov in 2023. This is the third round of free mailed tests offered to date.
What if I have trouble accessing the website to order free mailed tests?
If you run into technical issues or have difficulties placing orders through COVIDTests.gov, you can call 1-800-232-0233 to order your free at-home COVID tests over the phone.
Where else besides COVIDTests.gov can I get free COVID tests with Medicare?
In addition to mailed tests from COVIDTests.gov, Medicare Part B covers up to 8 over-the-counter at-home COVID tests per member each month from preferred pharmacies and retailers. You will need to show your Medicare card at the point of sale to have tests covered.
How much do the additional tests cost me at pharmacies?
If you obtain COVID tests as part of your Medicare Part B coverage rather than through COVIDTests.gov, you will not owe any out-of-pocket costs for up to 8 at-home rapid antigen test kits each month.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment