Health Insurers to Cover At-Home COVID-19 Testing

• Tests must be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Tests must be purchased on or after January 15, 2022.
  • The requirement will continue through the Coronavirus public health emergency period, which is expected to extend to at least April 15, 2022.
• Tests can be purchased online, at a pharmacy, or at a retail store.
• Each individual may purchase up to eight COVID-19 tests per month (note the per-test limit, not per-kit limit; kits may contain multiple tests).
• Plans and insurers may provide tests through existing pharmacy or direct delivery networks, as long as they take reasonable steps to ensure access.
  • If individuals obtain tests outside of the above channels, tests may be limited to reimbursement of $12 per test (or the cost of the test if under $12).
• Tests for employment purposes are not required to be covered.
• There is currently no limit on COVID-19 tests ordered or administered by a healthcare provider.

How will insurance carriers comply?

• Aetna
• Anthem Blue Cross of CA
• Blue Shield of CA
• Cigna
• Kaiser
• UnitedHealthcare