W.When the COVID-19 public health emergency expires at the end of May 11, many pandemic-era rules and programs will come to an end. Among them is a guarantee that Medicare and private insurance companies will cover the cost of up to eight home COVID-19 tests per person per month. The policy has been in place since his 2022 and has spurred an increase in home diagnostics.
Absent federal requirements, most health insurance companies can make their own decisions about whether to reimburse some or all of the cost of home testing. So, depending on insurance coverage, some Americans may still be able to get the test for free, while others will pay about $10 per test (or about $20 per box of two). You have to pay the retail price in dollars (number sold).
Here’s how some of the major insurers plan to deal with the end of the public health emergency.
- A representative for Cigna did not respond to TIME’s request for comment by press time. but, Information on Cigna’s website said it will no longer cover home testing after May 12, 2023.
- A representative for UnitedHealthcare declined to comment until press time. The website specifies In-store inspections will not be available after May 11, “unless mandated by state regulatory requirements.” california lawFor example, extend the free test offer until November 11, 2023.
- A representative for Aetna declined to comment. Information posted online said it will not cover at-home testing after May 12th.
- The local chapters that make up the National Blue Cross Blue Shield Association will reimburse the cost of in-home testing through May 11, confirmed executive vice president and chief corporate affairs officer Sean Robbins in a statement provided to TIME. Thereafter, Blue Cross Blue Shield’s plans may implement “reasonable limits on the use of the test.”
- Through November 11, 2023, California-based Kaiser Permanente is offering up to eight free tests each month to members of its state, except those covered by a Medicare Advantage Plan. For people outside of California, “Coverage depends on state or local obligations. [and] In-network and out-of-network coverage for COVID-19 vaccines, tests and treatments,” said a Kaiser Permanente representative in a statement.
- A spokesperson for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said once the public health emergency ended, “some Medicare Advantage plans will [over-the-counter] COVID-19 testing is offered as an added benefit. People covered by Medicaid or children’s health insurance programs should: Eligible for free testing through September 2024.
If your health insurance stops covering home testing, you may still be able to purchase them using funds from your health savings account or flexible spending account. Kits may also be available.and the The federal government is still sending out free kits To families who have not yet claimed their assigned swabs.
Rapid tests and PCR tests will continue to be available in pharmacies and clinics, but consumers may bear some or all of the costs. according to their insurance.
What’s the surest way to get a free test? Purchase your insurance plan by May 12th.
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