Rapid at-home COVID-19 tests purchased over-the-counter are now being covered by private insurance agencies.
The Biden Administration made this rule and it went into effect January 15, 2022.
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Who qualifies for free at-home rapid tests?
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, required insurance companies to cover the cost of testing. More information on these can be found here.
These requirements have been in place since early on in the pandemic.
New guidelines make private insurance companies to cover 8 rapid tests per person each month. That’s around two rapid tests per week.
This policy applies to all private insurance agencies. It does not apply to Medicaid or Medicare Advantage plans.
The new guidelines make it so insurance companies will pay for $12 for each test.
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How do I get the money back for the COVID tests I bought?
How you get the money back for paying for the test will depend on your insurance.
Some insurance companies do not have a direct coverage option. Reimbursement options depend on insurance policies.
The policy being successful will only work if tests are available for people to buy through their insurance or by being paid back.
It is still difficult to find an at-home rapid test for many people.
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