COVID-19 testing and coverage

UPDATE: The federal COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) ended on May 11, 2023. This may impact your coverage. Please review this page for details.

COVID-19 testing

There are several federal and state programs for free COVID-19 testing.

Visit www.covidtests.gov to learn about options for low- or no-cost COVID-19 tests from the federal government.

Visit covidtests.gov

Free at-home rapid tests may also be available at community health centers and Medicare-certified rural health clinics. Find a health center.

There are state and local programs in place for free COVID-19 testing, as well. In addition to the state resources listed here, look to your local board of health or your city or town website for more information.

Over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests

Update: Coverage for over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests ended May 12, 2023. If you purchased over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests prior to May 12, 2023, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Review the following details.

Through May 11, 2023, we are covering the cost of up to eight over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests per member, per month as further described below. We will pay only for tests that are approved by or granted emergency use authorization by the FDA, are intended for individualized diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19 (not for resale) and are not for employment purposes.

Commercial Members

  • Commercial HMO, PPO or POS members can visit the following pharmacies and purchase the tests with no upfront cost:
    • Sam’s Club
    • Bartell Drugs
    • Kinney Drugs
    • Kmart Corp
    • Walgreens
    • Walmart
    • Rite Aid

View a list of eligible tests.

  • Commercial HMO, PPO or POS members paying for at-home tests out-of-pocket can also submit a form for reimbursement through OptumRx, our pharmacy benefit manager. Members can submit an online reimbursement form, or they can complete a paper reimbursement form and mail it with their receipts to OptumRx. Please see the forms for instructions.
  • Please note, self-insured employer groups may choose to administer this benefit through their pharmacy benefit manager. Members of self-insured groups should follow up with their employer to confirm their coverage options.

Medicare Advantage members

As of April 4, 2022, Medicare covers up to eight over-the-counter COVID-19 tests each calendar month, at no cost. This coverage continues until the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), and is available to anyone with Medicare Part B, including those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Through May 11, 2023, you can get the Medicare-covered, over-the-counter COVID-19 tests at any pharmacy or health care provider that participates in this initiative. Just show your red, white, and blue Medicare card to get your free tests.

See a list of participating pharmacies

Get more information on Medicare coverage for at-home-tests

Medicare Supplement and Medicare Enhance members

If you purchase your own Medicare Supplement policy, or if you have a Medicare Enhance plan through your employer, you are covered for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests through Medicare and can visit a participating Medicare pharmacy location to purchase tests with no upfront cost. Through May 11, 2023, Medicare will cover the cost of up to eight over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per month at participating locations. Visit www.medicare.gov for complete coverage information.

In-person PCR, antigen and antibody laboratory COVID-19 tests

We cover in-person PCR (polymerase chain reaction), antigen and antibody laboratory testing consistent with federal and state guidance.

The federal COVID-19 public health emergency ended May 11, 2023 and may affect member cost sharing for COVID-19 PCR, antigen and antibody tests. Please review coverage information.

These tests must be medically necessary, as determined by a health care provider, in accordance with current CDC and state public health department guidelines.

COVID-19 PCR tests that are laboratory processed and either conducted in person or at home must be ordered or referred by a provider to be covered benefits. We will not cover or reimburse you for these tests when you order them yourself, including when you order using an online self-completed questionnaire. Testing is not covered solely for general workplace health and safety, public health surveillance or for other purposes not primarily intended for a member’s individual COVID-19 diagnosis or treatment. Diagnostic coronavirus testing required as a condition of travel inside or outside of the United States is not covered.

Diagnostic testing required by your provider for surgical or other medical procedures is medically necessary and covered, including if you are pregnant or an expectant parent and testing is required prior to admittance to a delivery facility.  As always, coverage is only available to health plan members.

Updates to our current COVID-19 testing policies will be published to this site as they become available.

Last Update: June 12, 2023