At-Home COVID Tests: How To Know What's Covered By Your Health Insurance
BOSTON (CBS) - Beginning Saturday, health insurance companies will be required to cover the costs of at-home COVID-19 tests and there are some things consumers need to know.
WHAT'S COVERED?
The program only applies to new tests you buy. You cannot get refunds for any tests you bought before January 15, 2022.
WHICH BRANDS?
Health insurers are required to cover any test which is approved by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization. (see the full list here)
HOW MANY?
There is a limit on the program. You can only get a reimbursement for up to eight tests per month.
Health insurers have been figuring out how consumers will apply for and get their reimbursements.
Blue Cross Blue Shield members will be able to download a PDF form on the company's website. Members will need to save their receipts and confirm the tests were only for personal use. Blue Cross Blue Shield said it is also working on a system that would allow members to avoid the reimbursement process. In a statement, Blue Cross Blue Shield said, "We are also working on creating a national preferred pharmacy network that will initially include over 20,000 retail pharmacies. In the near future, when the network is up and running, Blue Cross members will be able to go to a preferred pharmacy, such as CVS or Walmart, and obtain certain authorized tests for $0."
Beginning Wednesday, members of Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care will be able to go to their plan's website and print out a form, which will lay out how to get a reimbursement.
Consumers who do not have private insurance will not be able to get reimbursements at this point. However, the federal government is working on setting up a website, where you will be able to order a test and get it shipped to you for free.
