You can now order free Covid-19 rapid tests

Two important announcements regarding self tests for COVID-19. Texas REALTORS® encourages everyone to closely monitor any symptoms and self-test according to our chart that accompanies the Infectious Disease Control Policy. We have a limited supply of self tests in the office and will certainly provide those for Winter Meeting purposes and where needed otherwise while supplies last, but encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunities below.

First, Americans now have the opportunity to order free COVID-19 rapid tests through the new website, covidtests.gov. Through this federal program, every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. This article does a good job of explaining the process and covidtests.gov is the site through which to order your tests.

Order Free At-Home Tests

Second, where four tests are not sufficient to cover needs, a recent government order requires health insurance carriers to cover the costs of up to eight rapid antigen tests per month for tests purchased on or after January 15. Here is information posted on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas' website relating to processing claims:

At-home testing:

• If you have employer coverage, or an individual or family plan, we will be covering FDA-authorized over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for diagnosing COVID-19 through your BCBSTX/Prime Therapeutics® pharmacy benefits. If you use a pharmacy in Prime’s network, you should not have to submit a separate claim for reimbursement.

• We will cover FDA-authorized over-the-counter diagnostic tests purchased beginning Jan. 15. You will be reimbursed up to $12 per test, up to 8 tests every 30 days per person. (For example, you can purchase 4 boxes that include 2 over-the-counter COVID-19 tests.)

• If you aren’t sure if a test kit is FDA-authorized, ask your pharmacist for help.

• If an in-network pharmacy can’t submit your claim electronically, you can submit a reimbursement request.

• If you don’t have pharmacy benefits with BCBSTX/Prime, please contact your health plan administrator for more information.

• Over-the-counter tests for things like return to work or school, travel and recreational event requirements may not be covered.

• Take your test to the pharmacy counter to pay for your test.