Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order two sets of four free at-home COVID-19 tests through the federal government at covidtests.gov.

Free COVID-19 tests from the federal government may also be available at community health centers and Medicare-certified health clinics. Visit the CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) website to learn more about the free tests available through the federal government.

How to receive your tests

Individual & family plans or administrative services only plans

Effective Jan. 15, 2022, and for the duration of the national public health emergency, members are eligible for coverage of up to eight FDA-approved over-the-counter COVID-19 antigen tests every 30 days.
Note:

  1. Plan participants not using Navitus, our pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), should confirm their coverage with their PBM.
  2. Tests purchased to fulfill employer directed testing requirements are not eligible for reimbursement.

Pharmacy access

  • Members may receive their free over-the-counter COVID-19 antigen test at in-network pharmacies when purchases are made at the pharmacy counter with their member ID card.
  • If a member makes a retail purchase (e.g., at the front registers) the member will be charged out-of-pocket for the cost of COVID-19 tests but may seek direct reimbursement from Navitus, our pharmacy benefit manager. See the Member Reimbursement for COVID-19 tests section for more information.

Find an in-network pharmacy near you. Visit the Navitus website to see a full listing of their participating network of national chains, regional chains, and group pharmacies.

Direct-to-consumer shipping program

Members can order tests online or by phone. Tests are free through select mail order pharmacies when you provide your health plan coverage information found on your member ID card. Participating pharmacies are:

Serve You Rx: call (800) 759-3203

Costco Pharmacies
Instructions:
  1. Select mail order.
  2. Register for a new account. (You do not need to be a Costco member to use their mail order service.)
  3. Select: fill new prescription.
  4. Select: "My doctor will call or fax. I do not have a written prescription."
  5. In the physician info fields:
  • Enter physicians name: Costco Test
  • Enter physicians phone: (800) 111-1111
  • Enter physician city: Seattle
  • Enter physician state: WA
  • Enter drug information: COVID Test

Members who purchase COVID-19 antigen tests directly and wish to be reimbursed by Navitus must file a manual claim with them.

Each FDA-approved COVID-19 antigen test will be reimbursed at a rate up to $12 per individual test. Provider ordered COVID-19 tests, including provider ordered over-the-counter PCR tests are eligible for coverage under standard plan benefits, and are not subject to the maximum benefit of 8 tests per member per month. Only over-the-counter antigen tests for personal use are eligible for reimbursement.
Note:

  1. Plan participants not using Navitus, our pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), should confirm their coverage with their PBM.
  2. Tests purchased to fulfill employer directed testing requirements are not eligible for reimbursement.

Types of COVID-19 Tests

There are two types of COVID-19 diagnostic tests, PCR and antigen test. Both tests may be administered by a provider (including a pharmacy or testing site) or self-administered.

  • PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests detect the virus’s genetic material. PCR tests require lab processing that typically takes a day or more for results. 
  • Antigen tests commonly referred to as rapid tests, detect specific proteins on the surface of the virus. Antigen test results are available in approximately 10-15 minutes. 


A listing of FDA-approved Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) COVID-19 antigen tests may be found on the FDA’s website. 

For more information about types of COVID-19 tests please visit the FDA’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 Testing Basics website.