Private Insurers Must Cover At-Home COVID-19 Tests Costs

WASHINGTON D.C. (WBAP/KLIF News) – Americans who are privately insured will now have access to more COVID-19 tests.

The Biden Administration announced Monday that starting Saturday, January 15, private insurers must start covering the costs of eight FDA approved, over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 diagnostic tests per month.

There is no requirement for a doctor’s visit or a prescription for the tests within the eight kit limit.

However, the White House said there’s no limit to the number of tests that insurers must cover if they are ordered or administered by a health care provider.

The Biden Administration said the new development is part of a larger plan to get more Americans tested as the omicron COVID-19 variant spikes nationwide.

Our administration is also purchasing 500M at-home, rapid tests to distribute for free to Americans who want them — starting this month. There will be a website where people can request at-home tests for free home delivery.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 10, 2022

The news also comes as cities nationwide report a shortage of COVID-19 tests brought on in part by a dramatic increase in Americans seeking them due to omicron.

The Associated Press reports the White House said Americans should be able to order the tests online later this month when all the contracts for 500 million rapid tests have been signed.

One of the venders is Atlantic Trading LLC of Austin, Texas.