COVID-19 TESTING

FREE AT-HOME TESTS FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT - PROGRAM ENDS SEPTEMBER 2, 2022

  • Americans can begin ordering free at-home COVID-19 test using the website COVIDtests.gov. 
  • Tests are ordered and sent through the US Postal Service.
  • Orders for up to eight tests per U.S. residential address can be placed. 
  • You may place up to three orders total. 
  • To place an order, all you need is your name and residential address. No ID, credit card, or health insurance information is required. You may also share your email address to get tracking updates on your order.
  • Tests will usually ship within seven to 12 days of ordering.

TESTING INFORMATION

COVID-19 Tests

  • Nasal Swab Tests - Free tests are widely available at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, public clinics, and numerous other locations around the state. Visit azhealth.gov/testing for locations. 
  • Walk-up Saliva Tests - ASU offers facilities in Flagstaff, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Tucson. Find hours and locations here. Even if appointments are full on the registration site, you may still walk up a get a test. Results are available online, often within 24 hours. COVID-19 saliva testing has concluded at ADOA.
  • At-Home Test Reimbursement - are now being reimbursed by our insurance plans, please see below. 


EMERGENCY ROOMS and Testing

  • Hospitals report that people with no symptoms or mild symptoms are seeking COVID-19 tests at emergency rooms instead of designated testing sites. This is making it more difficult to care for people facing medical emergencies. 
  • Please use the links listed above for COVID-19 testing if you have no symptoms or mild symptoms. 
  • Of course, if you have a medical emergency, or are experiencing symptoms like trouble breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, altered mental state, or signs of a stroke or heart attack, don’t hesitate to go to an emergency room to get the attention you need.


How To Decide if you need a test

  • You do not need a doctor to approve your test. However, call your healthcare provider right away if you believe you might have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms such as fever, cough, or trouble breathing. (If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, please call 911.) 


No Copays for COVID-19 Testing

  • If the provider attempts to collect payment from you, please use this link to find a letter explaining our benefit.
  • If you have already paid a copay, contact your medical carrier for assistance in receiving a refund.


COVID-19 AT-HOME TEST REIMBURSEMENT

Health insurance plans are required to cover the cost of at-home COVID-19 tests starting January 15, 2022, as per direction from the federal government. Here’s what you need to know. Please note: Due to national supply challenges, at-home tests may not be available in stores.

About At-Home Tests

  • Are rapid antigen at-home tests, not PCR.
  • Can be taken anywhere.
  • Give results within 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required).
  • Work whether or not you have COVID-⁠19 symptoms.
  • Work whether or not you are up to date on your COVID-⁠19 vaccines.
  • Are also referred to as self-tests or over-the-counter (OTC) tests.
     

    Reimbursement REQUIREMENTS

    Quantity

    • 8 individual at-home over-the-counter COVID tests per person enrolled in the plan every 30 days. For example, a family of four can get 32 tests every 30 days for free.
    • Plans may count each test separately, even if there are multiple tests in one package. 
    • Tests must still be primarily for individualized diagnosis or treatment of COVID.
    • Tests must be FDA approved or have emergency use authorization (EUA) to qualify for reimbursement.
    • FSA or HSA Purchases - You can pay for COVID-19 tests with your HSA or FSA account.


    Without Prescription

    • No doctor’s visit or prescription is necessary for the 8 free at-home tests every 30 days. 
    • If your job requires you to test multiple times per week, you can only be reimbursed for 8 tests every 30 days.
    • If you have a prescription from your healthcare provider, there is no limit on the number of free at-home tests. 


    GETTING FREE KITs AT THE PHARMACY | Point-OF-SALE

    • Go to any MedImpact preferred pharmacy for COVID reimbursement
    • Bring your medical insurance card. Pharmacy information is printed on the back of the card.
    • Visit the pharmacy desk and request a test kit. 
    • The pharmacy will process the purchase at $0 to you and the claim will automatically be sent to MedImpact.
    • If the claim cannot be processed at the pharmacy and you need to be reimbursed, please see "Reimbursement Process" below.
    • If you cannot find a test kit in a retail pharmacy and need to order online, please see "Reimbursement Process" below.

       

      Reimbursement process

      Coverage begins for purchases on or after January 15, 2022. Tests purchased before this date require a prescription for reimbursement.

      • Pharmacy Reimbursement Form 
      • Carrier Reimbursement Forms
        • Use the reimbursement forms for the following:
          • Out-of-network purchases
          • Online purchases
          • Purchases before the MedImpact point-of-sale coverage became available on February 14, 2022.  You will be reimbursed at the full cost of the test.  
          • If the claim cannot be processed at the pharmacy point-of-sale and you need to be reimbursed.
        • You will be reimbursed $12 per test. If the test is less than $12, reimbursement will be the cost of the test. 


       

        Further questions

        Other testing methods