Most Americans with private insurance can get a refund by purchasing a home inspection online or in a store and getting paid at the time of purchase or by filing a claim with the insurance company. Therefore, be sure to save the receipt.
Tests are not self-paying or deductible.
Insurers can build a network of priority stores, pharmacies and online retailers where consumers can be pre-tested for free. People could still buy tests outside that network, but insurance companies only had to refund up to $ 12 for each.
Consumers should contact the insurance company to see if they are offering direct compensation or if they need to file a claim.
Do you need a doctor’s instructions or prescription?
No, you don’t need to see a doctor to get a free test.
How many tests can I get?
The insurance company is required to pay the cost of up to 8 tests per eligible individual per month. For example, a family of four can take 32 tests each month.
What about all the tests purchased before Saturday? Can I get a refund?
We’re sorry, but only tests purchased after January 15th are eligible.
Where is the home test?
That’s one of the reasons the Biden administration is planning to distribute free home exams soon. President Joe Biden announced Thursday that he would double the number available to one billion.
Some states have also ordered home testing for free distribution to residents, but supply is limited.
How do I get one of these free federal tests?
Starting January 19, Americans will be able to visit the new website covidtests.gov to order tests. The test will be shipped within 7-12 days of ordering.
Initially, there are four test limits for each residential household.
The White House will also set up a hotline for those who cannot order online but have not yet announced a release date.
What if I’m using Medicare?
Medicare covers the Covid-19 testing performed in the lab for free when ordered by a medical professional.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you should check with your insurance company to see if your home test costs are covered.
What if I’m using Medicaid?
The Children’s Health Insurance Program, known as Medicaid and CHIP, already covers home exams at no cost.
However, the registrant must contact the state agency for specific coverage details.
What if I’m not insured?
Uninsured persons can receive a free home examination from certain community health centers. You can also request testing through the federal program once it becomes available.
The Department of Health and Human Services also provides up to 50 million free home tests to community health centers and Medicare-certified clinics for distribution to patients and communities.
HHS has also established over 10,000 free community-based pharmacy testing sites nationwide.
This story was updated with additional details on Friday.
Maegan Vazquez of CNN contributed to this report.
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