Free in-home Covid test Kits

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KlangFool
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Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by KlangFool »

[Online ordering started January 18, 2022, see below. -- admin LadyGeek]

Folks,

Is this real or a scam?

https://www.covidtests.gov/
<< Free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests
Every home in the U.S. can soon order #44 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests will be completely free—there are no shipping costs and you don’t need to enter a credit card number.

Ordering begins January 19>>

Thanks in advance.

KlangFool
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Cobra Commander
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by Cobra Commander »

Yep,its legit and at some point in the near future your insurance has to cover several home tests per month. Not sure how the details on that are being worked out regarding billing codes, etc. You will probably need to submit for reimbursement for a while until things get set up.
Last edited by Cobra Commander on Mon Jan 17, 2022 5:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.
JHU ALmuni
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by JHU ALmuni »

Real.
UpperNwGuy
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by UpperNwGuy »

We've had free covid test kits here in Washington DC for several weeks now. We can pick them up at the public libraries. They're quite popular.
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rob
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by rob »

Real - here is my recent thread that had some good info posted....
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KlangFool
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by KlangFool »

Folks,

Thanks for the information.

KlangFool
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Flyer24
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by Flyer24 »

Topic moved to Personal Consumer Issues.
Topic Author
KlangFool
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by KlangFool »

Flyer24 wrote: Mon Jan 17, 2022 6:07 pm Topic moved to Personal Consumer Issues.
Thanks.

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obafgkm
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by obafgkm »

KlangFool wrote: Mon Jan 17, 2022 5:52 pm Folks,

Is this real or a scam?

https://www.covidtests.gov/
It’s unlikely that a “.gov” website would be a scam. I think the government learned its lesson (somewhat) after annualcreditreport.com was not immediately obviously a legitimate website.
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Katietsu
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by Katietsu »

To clarify:

There are two parts to the program to provide at home Covid tests:
1) Beginning January 18, each household can order 4 free tests to be sent to their home. It is 4 test’s regardless of number of people. Covidtests.gov

2) Beginning January 15, private insurance must cover up to 8 tests per month per individual. If you have 4 family members on your plan that could be up to 32 tests. There are a couple different ways that the insurance company can meet this obligation. Please check with your insurance company for details.

Also note that Medicare was excluded from the requirement to provide tests or reimbursement. This includes Medicare Advantage plans. For example, a 64 year old worker covered by a BCBS plan will be reimbursed for test kits but a 65 year old BCBS Medicare Advantage retiree will not. The Medicare covered individual can apply of January 19 for the 4 free kits though.
Last edited by Katietsu on Tue Jan 18, 2022 1:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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LadyGeek
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by LadyGeek »

I removed an interchange regarding the need for testing. The discussion was getting derailed. As a reminder, see: Please read before posting on coronavirus/COVID-19

Please stay on-topic.


- Free kits shipped to you: COVIDtests.gov - Free at-home COVID-19 tests

- To get reimbursed: How to get your At-Home Over-The-Counter COVID-19 Test for Free, from CMS.gov
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TLC
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by TLC »

The site is now live and taking orders.
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JoeRetire
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by JoeRetire »

TLC wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 10:03 am The site is now live and taking orders.
Nope.
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rbd789
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by rbd789 »

TLC wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 10:03 am The site is now live and taking orders.
Careful!

Someone has put up a .org site, which is not the real one. The real .gov site is now taking orders.
Last edited by rbd789 on Tue Jan 18, 2022 11:16 am, edited 1 time in total.
LAguy818
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by LAguy818 »

Cobra Commander wrote: Mon Jan 17, 2022 5:55 pm Yep,its legit and at some point in the near future your insurance has to cover several home tests per month. Not sure how the details on that are being worked out regarding billing codes, etc. You will probably need to submit for reimbursement for a while until things get set up.
This just started effective Jan 15. You can claim up to 8 tests (or 4 boxes of 2 tests) per person per month. You can file a claim with your prescription insurance administrator (in the prescription box on your medical ID card).
bgreader253
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by bgreader253 »

I just placed an order on https://www.covidtests.gov/
It transferred you to the USPS website. Looks legit since I got a confirmation from USPS. Will be shipped late January.
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thriftynick
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by thriftynick »

Does anyone know how long these last before they expire?
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by colddeadfish »

thriftynick wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 11:17 am Does anyone know how long these last before they expire?
I got some from the state in Colorado a few months ago and they expire in March so I would guess they are good for about 6 months max.
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thriftynick
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by thriftynick »

colddeadfish wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 11:19 am I got some from the state in Colorado a few months ago and they expire in March so I would guess they are good for about 6 months max.
Thank you! :happy
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by bob60014 »

Surprised the official site is up n running today, ordered w/ no issues.
natures
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by natures »

In case anyone is interested, here is the link to the USPS site:

https://special.usps.com/testkits
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by LadyGeek »

I removed an off-topic comment. As a reminder, see: Politics and Religion
In order to avoid the inevitable frictions that arise from these topics, political or religious posts and comments are prohibited. The only exceptions to this rule are:
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  • Discussions about enacted laws or regulations that affect the individual investor. Note that discussions of proposed legislation are prohibited.
  • Proposed regulations that are directly related to investing may be discussed if and when they are published for public comments.
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by anon_investor »

natures wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 11:47 am In case anyone is interested, here is the link to the USPS site:

https://special.usps.com/testkits
Is this different than the covidtests.gov 4 test limit?
ModifiedDuration
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by ModifiedDuration »

anon_investor wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 12:36 pm
natures wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 11:47 am In case anyone is interested, here is the link to the USPS site:

https://special.usps.com/testkits
Is this different than the covidtests.gov 4 test limit?
When you go to the covid test.gov website, it sends you to the usps site to order.

So, it’s the same thing.
Last edited by ModifiedDuration on Tue Jan 18, 2022 1:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by Stinky »

natures wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 11:47 am In case anyone is interested, here is the link to the USPS site:

https://special.usps.com/testkits
Just ordered our tests. No problems.

In my view, the government made a wise choice to apparently hang a new function into the existing usps.com website. I expect they were able to move faster than if they had set up an entirely new website.
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TLC
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by TLC »

JoeRetire wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 10:13 am
TLC wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 10:03 am The site is now live and taking orders.
Nope.
What do you mean? It was up then and I placed an order.
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by Mel Lindauer »

TLC wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 1:13 pm
JoeRetire wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 10:13 am
TLC wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 10:03 am The site is now live and taking orders.
Nope.
What do you mean? It was up then and I placed an order.
Yep, it's up and running and I placed my order about an hour or so ago.
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anon_investor
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by anon_investor »

ModifiedDuration wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 12:38 pm
anon_investor wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 12:36 pm
natures wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 11:47 am In case anyone is interested, here is the link to the USPS site:

https://special.usps.com/testkits
Is this different than the covidtests.gov 4 test limit?
When to go to the covid test.gov website, it sends you to the usps site to order.

So, it’s the same thing.
Thanks. Earlier in the day the covidtest.gov website was not taking orders yet. Now it makes sense.
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JoeRetire
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by JoeRetire »

TLC wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 1:13 pm
JoeRetire wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 10:13 am
TLC wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 10:03 am The site is now live and taking orders.
Nope.
What do you mean? It was up then and I placed an order.
It means I checked when I saw your post and it wasn't up for me at that time. It is now.
Clearly, the rollout across the country wasn't instantaneous. No surprise there.
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simplesimon
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by simplesimon »

My health insurance's website says they will make a form available for reimbursement starting tomorrow for rapid test kits ordered 1/15 or after. If you bought some over the last couple of days, save your receipts and check your insurance website!
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by YeahBuddy »

Does anyone know if it's possible to get reimbursed for previous tests purchased?

Edit - looks like it's insurer dependent? per above reply
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ClevrChico
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by ClevrChico »

natures wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 11:47 am In case anyone is interested, here is the link to the USPS site:

https://special.usps.com/testkits
Worked and ordered! Thanks!
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Candor
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by Candor »

Ordered mine earlier and it was a smooth and quick process.
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simplesimon
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by simplesimon »

RobLyons wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 2:03 pm Does anyone know if it's possible to get reimbursed for previous tests purchased?

Edit - looks like it's insurer dependent? per above reply
Yes check with your insurer. For mine it is for tests purchased on 1/15 or later.
agbp
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by agbp »

I put in an order successfully a couple of hours ago and got a confirmation email from USPS.
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Candor
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by Candor »

simplesimon wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 2:17 pm
RobLyons wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 2:03 pm Does anyone know if it's possible to get reimbursed for previous tests purchased?

Edit - looks like it's insurer dependent? per above reply
Yes check with your insurer. For mine it is for tests purchased on 1/15 or later.
I believe private insurance companies are required to cover up to 8 at-home tests per person per month after the 15th.
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by mikep »

I tried to order, but said there already was an order to my address and canceled? Maybe not ready for prime time yet.
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ResearchMed
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by ResearchMed »

mikep wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 2:29 pm I tried to order, but said there already was an order to my address and canceled? Maybe not ready for prime time yet.
Does someone else live with you? Perhaps they already placed an order?
At this time, it's "one order per address".

ETA: To clarify it's one order, of 4 tests, per address at this time.

RM
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LadyGeek
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by LadyGeek »

Order placed. I'm still waiting for the confirmation email.

Here's the online ordering FAQ: At-Home COVID-19 Tests, from USPS.com
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quantAndHold
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by quantAndHold »

My confirmation email went into the Promotions tab on my gmail app. So you might have to look for it.
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by JD2775 »

quantAndHold wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 2:45 pm My confirmation email went into the Promotions tab on my gmail app. So you might have to look for it.
same here
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by LadyGeek »

Thanks. I didn't wait long enough and just got the email. It's from noreply@email-special.usps.com.
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by mikep »

ResearchMed wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 2:33 pm
mikep wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 2:29 pm I tried to order, but said there already was an order to my address and canceled? Maybe not ready for prime time yet.
Does someone else live with you? Perhaps they already placed an order?
At this time, it's "one order per address".

ETA: To clarify it's one order, of 4 tests, per address at this time.

RM
No. Hopefully we will still get some anyway if they think we already ordered.
colddeadfish
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by colddeadfish »

mikep wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 2:56 pm
ResearchMed wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 2:33 pm
mikep wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 2:29 pm I tried to order, but said there already was an order to my address and canceled? Maybe not ready for prime time yet.
Does someone else live with you? Perhaps they already placed an order?
At this time, it's "one order per address".

ETA: To clarify it's one order, of 4 tests, per address at this time.

RM
No. Hopefully we will still get some anyway if they think we already ordered.
I am reading that if you live in an apartment you need to put the unit # in the first line and street address in the second line. The system is reading the information as having already been submitted. I haven't tried it.
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by jebmke »

I placed the order around noon and no ack; who knows. Taking orders is always easier than fulfilling them.
Don't trust me, look it up. https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions-and-publications
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by sizzlefuzz »

Ordered! Glad to see this is happening.
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GerryL
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by GerryL »

Ordered as soon as I saw a post on FB. I figured it would be less busy than tomorrow, when people are expecting to be able to order. Confirmation arrived 20-30 minutes later.

As I am a solo, I offered to share my kits with a friend and they could order a little later and share with me. That way maybe we'll be working with two different expiration dates. Maybe.
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ResearchMed
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by ResearchMed »

Which test (or tests?) is being sent out using this free online ordering system (gov and USPS)?

I assume they are non-proctored tests?

Also, it seems that Abbott makes BinaxNOW in a proctored and non-proctored packaging. Are they identical, other than having someone watch to make sure the person is indeed doing their own test?

RM
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by mikep »

colddeadfish wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 3:00 pm
mikep wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 2:56 pm
ResearchMed wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 2:33 pm
mikep wrote: Tue Jan 18, 2022 2:29 pm I tried to order, but said there already was an order to my address and canceled? Maybe not ready for prime time yet.
Does someone else live with you? Perhaps they already placed an order?
At this time, it's "one order per address".

ETA: To clarify it's one order, of 4 tests, per address at this time.

RM
No. Hopefully we will still get some anyway if they think we already ordered.
I am reading that if you live in an apartment you need to put the unit # in the first line and street address in the second line. The system is reading the information as having already been submitted. I haven't tried it.
No apartment here.
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Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Post by andypanda »

I ordered at 11:30 a.m. and got the confirmation in 2 minutes. I was impressed.
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