University of California, Riverside –
Effective January 15, 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration requires insurance companies and group health plans to cover the cost of FDA approved at-home over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests.
The following program guidelines can be found on the Health and Human Services (HHS) website:
- Health plan providers are required to cover up to 8 free at-home OTC COVID-19 tests per individual per month. There is no limit on the number of tests if tests are ordered or administered by a health care provider following an individualized clinical assessment, including those who may need the tests due to underlying medical conditions.
- Members should keep receipts for at-home OTC COVID-19 tests purchased on or after January 15, 2022, if they paid out of pocket for reimbursement.
- Health plan providers are not required to cover the costs for tests (including at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 tests) required for employment purposes.
- Further details on reimbursement for FDA approved at-home OTC COVID-19 tests can be found at the FAQ contained in the Health and Human Services (HHS) website.
Free testing resources and additional information on the at-home OTC COVID-19 tests may be found in the following resources: