(January 24, 2022) As part of ongoing efforts to increase access to COVID-19 testing in the U.S., at-home tests are now available at no cost or for reimbursement through health insurance and through a new government program.
The easy-to-use tests are an effective way of identifying COVID-19 early, allowing people who are sick to self-isolate, further helping to mitigate the spread of the virus.
“Having at-home tests on hand will help prevent the spread of the virus by giving people quicker information about what’s happening when they aren’t feeling well,” said Dr. Richard Vinroot, company Medical Director and Vice President. “This will provide peace of mind – and help us all feel more prepared to take the right steps to protect our families, our co-workers and our communities.”
How does it work?
- Employees enrolled in the company’s medical plan can buy FDA-approved, at-home tests in stores or online and have them paid for at the time of purchase or get reimbursed by submitting a claim to UnitedHealthcare.
- UnitedHealthcare will cover FDA-authorized, over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 diagnostic tests purchased on or after January 15, 2022. Tests purchased before January 15 are not eligible for reimbursement.
- The new benefit covers up to eight tests per member every 30 days.
- Health plan members can get tests with no out-of-pocket costs when purchasing them from UnitedHealthcare’s network preferred pharmacies – currently Walmart and Sam’s Club. They plan to add additional pharmacies in the near future.
- For tests purchased online or outside of the preferred in-store retail pharmacy counter, costs will be reimbursed up to $12 per individual test – so make sure to keep the receipt. Most tests are available in a package of two for $24.
Sign into your myuhc.com account to learn more about how to get reimbursed for tests and to read UnitedHealthcare’s FAQs. Other health insurance companies are covering at-home tests as well, so check with your provider for details if you are not covered by the company’s plan.
Learn more by reading the company COVID-19 FAQs, now updated with UnitedHealthcare information about at-home tests with no out-of-pocket costs as well as the reimbursement process for tests.