The federal government will begin sending coronavirus detection tests to those who request them on a website from next Wednesday, January 19, up to a limit of four per household in the United States, according to sources from the Administration this Friday. in a call with journalists.
The COVIDTests.gov website will collect only the name and address of the person who requests it, and no other additional data, the Government explained;
that is, the immigration status will not matter and the information cannot be shared with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE) or other federal agencies.
Those who order the tests should take into account that they can take between 7 and 12 days to arrive at homes, although they will be sent by first class mail by the Postal Service.
The Government has bought 500 million rapid tests to be able to send them to homes, and the president, Joe Biden, promised this week to acquire 500 million more, arguing that they are a key tool to face the wave of cases caused by the coronavirus. omicron variant, which has triggered the number of infections in the country above 62 million, and is putting hospitals against the wall, collapsing, and increasing deaths.
In addition, from this Saturday citizens with health insurance will be able to obtain free home coronavirus tests in pharmacies, stores and internet portals, since insurers will be responsible for the cost up to a limit of eight tests per member of the community. family every month and without the need for a prescription.
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People who buy the tests in stores or pharmacies should check which ones are authorized by their insurance company to be able to buy it free of charge, or if they will have to pay for them and then request a refund, for which it is recommended to keep the payment receipts.
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The tests will not be subject to copays or deductibles.
Those who do not have health insurance or are recipients of Medicaid or Medicare will need to check with state agencies and insurers for details to receive a free home test.
In some cases they do get coverage.
People are advised to take a home test if they have symptoms, have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or want to be sure of their negative result in case they have to attend a meeting in a closed space where there is a risky situation.