Specifically, if a plan or insurer establishes this type of direct coverage option, then the plan or insurer is permitted to limit the reimbursement for tests purchased outside of their network to $12 per test . Many commercially available at-home tests run about $12 or less per test. Starting January 15, most people with a health plan can go online, Disposable masks or to a pharmacy or store to purchase an at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic test authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at no cost, either through reimbursement or free of charge through their insurance. This applies whether you purchased your health plan on your own or whether you get health insurance through your job.
Your plan is required to reimburse you at a rate of up to $12 per individual test (or the cost of the test, if less than $12). Save your receipt to submit to your plan for reimbursement at a rate of at least $12 per individual test (or the cost of the test, if less than $12). If you purchase an over-the-counter COVID-19 test from a pharmacy, store, or online retailer and are charged for your test, keep your receipt and submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement. If your plan has not set up a network of preferred stores, pharmacies, and online retailers at which you can obtain a test with no out-of-pocket expense, you will be reimbursed the amount of the cost of the test.
At-home testing allows a person to collect a specimen and perform either a molecular or antigen test at home according to directions provided with the kit. Before sharing sensitive information, face mask make sure you’re on a federal government site. Rapid tests are most effective one to five days after symptoms start. Negative results may need to be confirmed with a PCR test.
It can be self-administered by individuals ages 14 and up, and adults can administer the test for children ages 2 to 13. The testing kit manufacturer, iHealth has user instructions online, written instructions inside the box and a video tutorial on how to properly take the test. When you receive your kit, follow the instructions for the nasal swab test and then mail your kit back in the pre-addressed, pre-paid envelope. MCLD and Maricopa County Department of Public Health are partnering to offer free at-home COVID-19 test kits at all 18 MCLD libraries. The tests are self-administered nasal swab tests to detect an active COVID-19 infection. OptumRx has partnered with Walmart, Sam’s Club, Rite Aid pharmacies, Walgreens, and Kinney Drugs.
This means that you could possibly still have COVID-19 even though the test is negative. If you test negative and continue to experience symptoms of fever, cough and/or shortness of breath you should seek follow up care with your healthcare provider immediately. Your healthcare provider may suggest you need another test to determine if you have contracted the virus causing COVID-19. If you are concerned about your COVID-19 status after testing or think you may need follow up testing, please contact your healthcare provider. Health centers and Medicare-certified rural health clinics should use their best discretion in distributing at-home self-tests to the local community and follow their established protocols.