Becerra: Biden will send 50 million tests to sites 2:30
(CNN) --
Starting Saturday, many Americans can get free COVID-19 tests at home through their private insurance.
You can get home tests at pharmacies, retailers, and online vendors.
The program is part of the Biden administration's effort to increase access to testing in the U.S. It will also distribute free home tests, with more information on how to order them next week.
Health insurance must cover the cost of over-the-counter covid-19 home tests starting Saturday
Here's what you need to know about getting free home tests from retailers:
How does this work?
Most Americans with private insurance can purchase home tests online or in stores and pay for them at the time of purchase or receive reimbursement by filing a claim with their insurer.
So make sure you save your receipts.
The tests will not be subject to copays or deductibles.
Insurers can establish a network of preferred stores, pharmacies and online retailers where consumers can receive tests at no up-front cost.
People could still buy tests outside of that network, but insurers would only have to reimburse up to $12 for each one.
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Consumers should contact their insurers to find out if they provide direct coverage or if claims need to be filed.
Do I need a medical order or prescription?
No, you do not have to visit a doctor to get free trials.
How many home tests can I get?
Insurers must pay for up to eight tests per covered person per month.
So a family of four could get 32 tests each month, for example.
What happens to all the tests I bought before Saturday?
Can you reimburse me for them?
We're sorry, but only tests purchased on or after January 15 qualify.
Where can I find a home test?
Finding home tests is proving challenging in many parts of the country, even as retailers limit the number a customer can buy.
It's one of the reasons the Biden administration plans to distribute free home tests soon.
President Joe Biden announced Thursday that he would double the number that will be available to one billion tests.
Several states have also mandated that home tests be distributed free to residents, but supplies have been limited.
How do I get one of those free federal tests?
The administration is creating a website and hotline where people can request free trials to be mailed to them.
More information should be available next week, Biden said.
What if I am on Medicare?
Medicare covers COVID-19 tests performed in a laboratory when ordered by a medical professional at no charge.
Those enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans should check with their insurers to see if the costs of home testing will be covered.
What if I am on Medicaid?
Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, known as CHIP, already cover home testing with no cost share.
But members should contact their state agencies for specific coverage details.
What if I don't have insurance?
People without insurance can get free home tests at certain community health centers.
They can also request testing through the federal program once it becomes available.
Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services is providing up to 50 million free home tests to community health centers and Medicare-certified health clinics for distribution to patients and the community.
The Department of Health and Human Services has also established more than 10,000 free community pharmacy testing sites across the country.
Additional information about testing for the uninsured is available on hhs.gov.
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