The leave of fall signals cooler temperatures as COVID-19 cases spike in the country. In return, all households are getting free at-home COVID-19 tests from the American government again. This will enable anyone who wants to obtain test kits free of charge through the postal service, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Here’s how you can get your free COVID-19 tests and what you need to know about the process.
How to Order Free COVID-19 Tests
Four costless COVID-19 testing kits for household use will be available to United States homes by the end of September online. This is the seventh time several free tests have been given since the epidemic broke out. The start of the program might not have been specified, but if you can visit that particular website, you will be updated on the expected time.
“For families that will spend more time indoors in the autumn, there is again a possibility to order for four additional COVID-19 tests at no cost each and get them delivered straight away,” said Dawn O’Connell, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the Department of Health and Human Services.
How Does the USPS COVID Test Program Work?
Begun in January 2022, the original USPS testing program has been followed by millions of Americans easily. After a pause right now, one will order tests by only providing their full names as well as mailing addresses. There is no requirement for payment details at all since the testing kits themselves come without charge including shipping. If for any reason you cannot get through on the site or find it tough to place an order online then dial 800-232-0233.
How Long Will It Take to Receive the Tests?
The test kits used to take approximately 14 days to arrive in the past rounds. The tests are shipped via the U.S. Postal Service, where the delivery takes between 7 and 12 days, whereas an extra one to three days is spent on deliveries. There isn’t a stipulated day the tests will be available at no cost involved; hence, it is recommended that you place an order the moment the program begins to receive them on time.
Other Options for Free COVID Testing
Free COVID-19 tests are provided in various other ways as they wait for the new round of USPS tests.
- These federally funded centers provide uninsured individuals with free Covid-19 testing.
- You can locate a health center nearby using the HRSA locator tool.
- Through this initiative, you can receive both testing and treatment in one location.
- For uninsured individuals experiencing symptoms or those who have come in contact with the virus, free COVID-19 tests can be accessed at ICATT Testing Sites. The ICATT locations are tracked using their location app.
Free COVID Tests through Health Insurance and Medicaid
Even though the national public health emergency that occurred in May 2023 has been lifted, there are still some insurance companies and state programs where COVID-19 tests can be done for free. In California and other jurisdictions, providers must give out eight tests each month at home to any recipient of their care. Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) members can access free at-home testing until the end of September 30th, 2024.
How to get free COVID-19 vaccines
Those looking to get vaccinated or receive a booster shot may receive free COVID-19 vaccines through the Bridge Access Program if they do not have insurance. You can locate sites participating in this program by going to vaccines.gov and choosing “Bridge Access Program Participant” in your search.
