When the plan to provide free at- home COVID tests was announced in December, it looked like it would be a waste of money. Fortunately, the plan is being rolled out, with an important addition: You can request free tests from a government website, and they will be mailed to you at no cost.
How to request free tests at home.
Covidtests.gov is a website that you can bookmark. You can request a package of tests to be sent to your home. I couldn't access the ordering screen when I checked, but some people have been able to order tests already. This seems to be rolling out in phases, so give it a try.
The White House expects tests to arrive in a few days. You just need to give your name and address to request the tests. You can get shipping updates if you give your email address.
The phone number you can call to order tests has not been announced.
The limit is per address. If the first test is negative, you are supposed to take four tests, which is the number you would buy to test just two people. Administration officials wouldn't give a reason for why they chose four as the magic number, but they did hint that this is the best they can do.
If people use the tests, we hope that they can get tested through other means, including through the 20,000 free testing sites we have, as well as at community health centers.
There are other ways to get free tests.
If you have private insurance, you have to pay for at- home COVID tests that you purchase on your own. Save your receipts and check with your insurance company for more information on this policy.
Community health centers and rural health clinics are giving away at- home tests.
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