On Friday, September 2, 2022, the federal government will suspend a program that has provided us with the free at-home COVID-19 tests which have been mailed directly to our homes. If you are in need of tests, we recommend that you order your kits as soon as possible. Many do not realize but we have access to a total of 16 test kits. If you have ordered 4, for example, you can now order more.
After September 2, the program will be suspended because there is no additional funding to replenish the nation’s stockpile of tests. If you haven’t already, you can order tests on Covidtests.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233 before Friday. They will send you a confirmatory email. Of course, this is while supplies last.
All you need to provide is a U.S. residential address. You also have the option to provide your email address if you want to receive shipping notifications. If you’ve exceeded your maximum of 16 tests, you will receive the message, “This address has reached the current limit for test orders” after placing your order.
Most people in the U.S. also qualify for free testing or reimbursement for kits approved by the Food and Drug Administration through Medicare, Medicaid or private health insurance policies. Insurance companies are required to reimburse you up to $12 per individual test, for up to eight tests per month, per the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website.
I would encourage you all to order some tests just to have on hand, especially since its free and easy to order.
Christine Benz Smith, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC
UC Foundation Professor
Director, School of Nursing
Chief Health Affairs Officer
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga