How to Get Free At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits in 2025

Keep track of evolving distribution and reimbursement paths to protect your family.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 22, 2025

Keep track of evolving distribution and reimbursement paths to protect your family.

The landscape for accessing free at-home COVID-19 test kits in the United States has evolved rapidly since the pandemic began. While federal programs initially distributed millions of rapid tests directly to households, recent changes and new policies have affected how Americans can obtain these essential tools for monitoring their health. This comprehensive guide explains all the current options for getting free COVID-19 tests, the process for ordering, insurance and Medicare/Medicaid coverage, tips for using and storing test kits, and how to recognize scams. Whether you’re looking to order your first kit or need information about ongoing reimbursement, this article is your go-to resource for 2025.

Overview of Free COVID-19 At-Home Test Programs
How to Order Free COVID-19 Tests Online
Getting Reimbursed Through Insurance
Coverage Under Medicare and Medicaid
Other Ways to Obtain Free Tests
Tips for Using and Storing At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits
How to Avoid COVID-19 Test Kit Scams
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Additional Resources

To ensure your test kits remain effective, it's vital to understand their expiration dates and how to verify them, especially if you stored them for future use. Many products now have extended timelines due to FDA approvals. Discover how to check if your test is still good but not used yet, providing you peace of mind and reliability when you need it the most.

Overview of Free COVID-19 At-Home Test Programs

Since early 2022, federal health officials have facilitated the distribution of hundreds of millions of free COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits to U.S. households. Originally, these tests were ordered online and delivered via the U.S. Postal Service. Each household could receive up to 16 tests through several distributions, usually in batches of four or eight at a time.

It's essential to stay informed about any recalls or updates regarding COVID-19 tests you might have at home. Recent recalls have affected certain brands, and knowing about them can save you from potential issues and ensure you use high-quality tests during critical times.

However, as of March 2025, the landscape has shifted:

Direct federal delivery is no longer active: The main government program for mailing free tests ended in March 2025.
Insurance reimbursement requirements remain: Insurance providers are still required to reimburse members for qualifying at-home rapid COVID-19 tests, up to eight tests per month per person.
Local health departments and community clinics: Many local health offices and public clinics continue offering free or low-cost testing kits while supplies last.

How to Order Free COVID-19 Tests Online

Until March 2025, Americans could order rapid tests through the federal website COVIDTests.gov. Here’s how the ordering process worked, which may resume in the future as public health responses evolve:

Additionally, if you're seeking a more personalized approach to health, explore Walgreens Pharmacy services. They offer comprehensive care, where you can access testing kits alongside professional health guidance that ensures you're well-informed and equipped.

Step-by-Step Online Ordering Process

Visit COVIDTests.gov and click on “Order Free At-Home Tests”.
You’ll be redirected to a USPS order portal to enter your name and residential shipping address. No identification or insurance information is required.
Orders are typically limited to one per household. Be sure to include apartment or unit numbers to avoid processing errors.
Receive order confirmation and tracking information via email (if you provide it).
Tests are shipped free of charge and usually arrive within a week after processing.

With federal distribution on hiatus as of March 2025, check state and local health department websites for announcements about test kit giveaways or new federal shipments. Some states and localities may continue to provide at-home kits through their own programs.

Preparation is key when it comes to COVID testing. To ensure you're ready, leverage expert tips for preparing your family and home for COVID-19. Understanding how to set up your environment and protocols can lead to more effective testing and better safety outcomes for everyone involved.

Getting Reimbursed Through Insurance

Even after the end of direct federal shipments, most Americans with private health insurance, Medicare Advantage, or Medicaid can still receive some at-home tests for free or get reimbursed for their purchase. Here’s how:

Reimbursement Rules

Insurance is required to cover up to 8 at-home tests per person, per month.
If your health plan sets up a network of preferred pharmacies or retailers, you can get tests with no upfront cost at those locations. If you buy elsewhere, your plan must reimburse you for at least $12 per test.
Some insurers require members to submit a reimbursement claim (keep your receipts and UPC codes), while others offer tests at no cost directly through their pharmacy network.

Should you find yourself with a positive at-home test result, knowing the steps to treat COVID-19 symptoms at home can be incredibly valuable. With the right information, you can manage symptoms effectively, ensuring you take care of your health while minimizing unnecessary risks.

How to File a Reimbursement Claim

Purchase FDA-authorized COVID-19 rapid antigen tests at a store or pharmacy.
Save your itemized receipt and, if required, the barcode or UPC from the box.
Log in to your insurance portal or use the insurer’s reimbursement form. Fill out all fields and upload copy of your receipt.
Submit the claim online or by mail. Most reimbursements are processed within 30 days, and you’ll be reimbursed for at least $12 per test, up to 8 per plan member monthly.

Many national pharmacy chains (like CVS and Walgreens) allow customers to input their insurance information online and immediately get at-home kits for free at checkout—either shipped to your home or picked up in-store. No prior claim submission is needed at in-network pharmacies.

Coverage Under Medicare and Medicaid

The rules for test reimbursement differ for public health program participants and have changed in 2025. Here’s what you need to know:

Program	Coverage for At-Home COVID-19 Tests (2025)
Medicare (Original)	No longer covers at-home tests. Lab testing is covered when ordered by a provider.
Medicare Advantage	Check with your plan; some may still reimburse rapid tests through pharmacy partners.
Medicaid	Most state Medicaid programs cover at-home tests; quantity and process may vary by state.

For eligible individuals:

Lab-based PCR and rapid tests ordered by a doctor are covered for Medicare recipients.
Medicare does not currently cover the cost of at-home rapid antigen tests.
Medicaid enrollees should check with their state program or pharmacy for the latest information.

Other Ways to Obtain Free Tests

If you are uninsured or have exhausted your insurance benefits, you may still be able to find free or low-cost at-home test kits in your area:

Local health departments: Many distribute at-home kits during case surges or at public events. Check official state or county health websites.
Community clinics and public libraries: Some cities offer free kits at these locations on a first-come, first-served basis.
Testing events and mobile clinics: Pop-up events sometimes provide free test kits to the public for take-home use.
Employer or university programs: Large employers and academic institutions may offer free test distribution to employees or students.

Note that supply can fluctuate with local infection rates and public health funding. Always check ahead for availability.

Tips for Using and Storing At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits

For accurate results, it’s crucial to use at-home COVID-19 tests properly and store them correctly until use. Here are some best practices:

Check expiration dates. Many kits now come with instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates beyond what’s printed on the box (visit the manufacturer’s site if unsure).
Store tests at the temperature range recommended in the instructions (usually 35–86°F or 2–30°C). Extreme heat or freezing can degrade accuracy.
Read all instructions carefully before collecting your sample and processing the test.
If you test positive, follow the latest CDC guidance for isolation and notification.

If you test negative but have symptoms or recent exposure to COVID-19, retest after 24–48 hours (serial testing increases reliability).

How to Avoid COVID-19 Test Kit Scams

With at-home test demand high, scams are unfortunately common. Protect yourself with these tips:

Only order test kits from official sites like COVID.gov or well-known national pharmacy chains.
You should never be asked for a credit card, bank account, or Social Security number just to get a free test kit through government programs.
Anyone contacting you by phone, text, or unsolicited email asking for payment or personal info to “help” order a kit is not legitimate.
If you suspect a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are free at-home COVID-19 test kits still available in 2025?

As of March 2025, the federal mail-order program is on hold, but insurance reimbursement and local distribution options remain available. Medicaid and some state programs also continue distribution, though supplies may be limited.

How many free tests can I get through insurance?

Most insurance plans reimburse up to eight at-home COVID-19 tests per person per month. Insurers may cover the cost directly at in-network pharmacies or reimburse you after you submit your claim.

Is Medicare still sending free at-home COVID-19 tests?

No. As of March 2025, Original Medicare does not cover at-home test kits but will pay for lab-based tests ordered by a care provider.

I’m uninsured. How can I find free or low-cost COVID-19 tests?

Check with your local health department, public clinics, libraries, or pop-up events. Many still distribute tests to uninsured individuals during outbreaks or high transmission periods.

How do I know if my test is expired or still good?

Many test kit expiration dates have been extended by the FDA. Visit the test manufacturer’s website or the FDA’s page for updated information if your kit appears expired but was purchased in the last 18–24 months.

What should I do if I test positive at home?

Isolate yourself from others, notify close contacts, monitor your symptoms, and follow CDC guidance. If you experience warning signs like difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

Additional Resources

CDC Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines
COVIDTests.gov – Federal Test Ordering Site
Report COVID-19 Scams to FTC
Check your state or local health department site for the latest local test distribution information.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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