The government is offering a new round of free at-home COVID tests to Americans, in time for the holiday season. With flu and RSV season in full swing, many are thinking about precautions to keep families healthy before large holiday gatherings.
This time around, the round of free testing comes just as insurance companies are no longer required to pay for COVID tests, which were once covered at the rate of eight take-home tests per month. A study by the independent organization KFF found that at-home tests typically cost between $12 and $24 per pack, or an average of $11 per test.
While there are free testing options at community centers across the United States and the Department of Health and Human Services continues to distribute free at-home testing to schools, nursing homes, health centers community health clinics, rural health clinics and food banks, some people are simply looking for the ease and access that at-home testing provides.
Luckily, it’s easy to place your order, and people who didn’t take advantage of the free ride available in September can place two orders at once to stock up.
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How to get free COVID tests from the government
Every American household can order four free at-home tests starting Monday, November 20. Each household is entitled to at least four tests, but those who did not receive the last test made available in September can place two orders. and I get up until eight o’clock.
To order online, visit COVIDtests.gov and fill out the form that asks for your full name and mailing address. The tests will then be shipped free via USPS to the specified location, including PO Boxes. You will receive an order number and updates via email if you choose to enter your email address.
Orders begin shipping the week of November 27, according to the confirmation screen at the end of the order process. Consumers will also see a warning on this screen that free tests may display expiration dates on the box, but will inform them that the tests are still good, according to the Food and Drug Administration, extending test expiration dates of coronavirus at home.
Those who cannot access the online order form or need assistance can call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) is also available to help people with disabilities place their orders at 1-888-677-1199 or DIAL@usaginganddisability.org.
For those who have questions about eligibility, the online order form, shipping or delivery, you can contact the USPS Help Desk at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777 ).
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What to expect after placing your order
Once shipped, the tests are sent via USPS Ground Advantage, which has an expected delivery time of two to five days according to the USPS website.
It is important to keep in mind that at-home tests are rapid antigen tests and not PCR tests, which are generally considered the most accurate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at-home antigen tests take just a few minutes and are accurate and reliable when reporting positive results.
However, PCR tests are more likely to detect the virus even when the patient has no symptoms. For this reason, the FDA recommends two negative antigen tests for people with symptoms or 3 antigen tests for those without symptoms, taken 48 hours apart. Only one PCR test is required per comparison.
If you need testing faster, there are other programs offering free or low-cost testing, including community testing sites.
COVID during the holidays
As colder weather approaches, flu and RSV season are concerns alongside the coronavirus. COVID-19 infections have been up and down since this summer, according to the CDC, with weekly hospitalizations reaching 20,678 on September 9 and 16,239 on November 11.
The many gatherings that take place during the holiday season may present an increased risk of transmission, meaning testing is a good idea even if you have no symptoms before attending an event, gathering or visiting to a person at risk.
If you are concerned about COVID around your loved ones this holiday season, The CDC suggests some precautions, including:
- Test as close to the event time as possible (at least within 1-2 days).
- If you are using an antigen test, follow the test repeat recommendations to be sure of a negative result.
- Additionally, you may want to find a free testing location or see your doctor for a PCR test before visiting people at higher risk of severe illness.
- Consider practicing social distancing or wearing masks during large gatherings, while traveling, or at other high-transmission events where at-risk individuals may be present.
- Stay up to date on your COVID vaccines and boosters. Get the flu and RSV vaccine if you can, too.
- Get vaccinated at least two weeks before vacation trips or gatherings.
- Respect hand washing and good hygiene practices.
- Stay home if you are infected or have symptoms of illness.
If you have symptoms, get tested immediately.
- If you only do one test, a PCR test will provide a more reliable negative result.
- If you use an antigen test, a positive result is reliable, but a negative test is not always accurate.
- If your antigen test is negative, take another antigen test after 48 hours Or take a PCR test as soon as possible.
If you have no symptoms but have been exposed to COVID-19, wait at least 5 full days after your exposure before taking a test.
- If you only do one test, a PCR test will provide a more reliable negative result.
- If you use an antigen test, a positive result is reliable, but a negative test is not always accurate.
- If your antigen test is negative, take another antigen test after 48 hours Or take a PCR test as soon as possible.
- If your second antigen test is also negative, wait another 48 hours and test a third time.
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