UCOP received additional information to follow-up on the previously-sent communication dated January 27, 2022. On February 3, 2022, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced in their website that the Biden-Harris Administration is working on a new initiative to provide coverage for at-home OTC COVID-19 tests for Medicare enrollees in early Spring 2022. For additional information, please review the Biden-Harris Administration Will Cover Free Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests Through Medicare | CMS and the COVID-19 Over-the-Counter (OTC) Tests & Medicare Frequently Asked Questions.
We are providing an updated chart – Health Plan Guidelines - At-Home Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests that addresses the changes on how each health plan will administer the new requirement and guidance for At-Home Over-the-Counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests that were approved by the Federal and Drug Administration. Those changes include:
- Health Net has updated their stance and will provide direct coverage for at-home OTC COVID-19 tests with an effective date of January 15, 2022.
- Kaiser Permanente confirmed that they are not providing direct coverage at this time.
- UnitedHealthcare will provide more information in early Spring 2022 for at-home OTC COVID-19 test coverage after further Federal guidance is available.
- One notable clarification is that plans are required to cover up to 8 free at-home OTC COVID-19 tests per individual per 30-day period (previously reported as per month).
The Business Group on Health has also provided Updated Guidance on OTC COVID-19 Testing Coverage.
For questions, members should call the phone numbers that are listed on their medical or prescription cards.