This Is Exactly How To Order Free At-Home COVID Tests From The Government
Starting today, you can order free, at-home COVID-19 test kits from the U.S. government.
All households are eligible for four tests, and the process only takes a few minutes.
Here's how to order your own tests online:
As Omicron cases continue to surge, it's crucial to monitor yourself and your family for any COVID-19 signs or symptoms. And, while many at-home rapid tests are in short supply, there are now multiple ways to purchase them for free.
On Jan. 15, insurance began paying for at-home COVID-19 tests. Insurance companies must cover eight free, over-the-counter tests per person every month, NPR reported. Plus, there's no limit to how many tests insurance will cover if they are ordered or given to you by a health care provider.
And now, you can now order free tests from the U.S. government.
The Biden-Harris administration has purchased around half a billion tests to send to U.S. households. "And we’re not saying we’re stopping there," one official said, per Today. "We’re going to keep moving forward to expand testing so that Americans have it both now and moving into the future."
Here's everything you need to know, including exactly how to order your own test kits:
When can I order the tests?
As of Tuesday, Jan. 18, you can order tests through USPS. On Wednesday, Jan. 19, the government's website will officially open for test kit orders.
How do I order?
There are two ways to order COVID-19 tests online:
You can visit the government's website.
You can visit the USPS's website.
When ordering online, you only need to provide your name and a shipping address. No credit card number is required, and you won't pay for shipping.
There will also be a free call line to help those unable to access the website to place orders. The call line will "work with national and local community-based organizations to support the nation's hardest-hit and highest-risk communities in requesting tests," per a statement from the White House. The number for the call line has not been announced yet.
How many tests can I order?
Each household (or residential address) is eligible to receive one order of four tests. When you order, the website will automatically set the number of tests to four, so you can't order more or less.
Which tests will I receive?
The specific test kit that will be mailed to you will vary, NBC Chicago reported. But all of the tests will be FDA-authorized and can detect the Omicron variant.
When will my tests arrive?
The tests will ship seven to 12 days after you order them, the statement explained. All orders in the continental U.S. will be sent via First Class mail, while shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. Territories will be sent via Priority Mail.
If you provide an email address while ordering, USPS will send you shipping updates so you can track your package.
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