Free COVID-19 tests now available through USPS, HHS: How to order them

Free at-home COVID-19 testing is now available to families across the country.

As of Thursday, families can receive up to four free COVID-19 tests through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), while supplies last.

The push for free at-home testing follows the end of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Bridge Access Program, a public partnership designed to help “maintain access to free COVID-19 vaccines for adults who are underinsured or uninsured through their local pharmacies, existing public health infrastructure, and their local health centers.” The program covered all vaccines (BioNTech-Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax) and ended in August 2024.

“Reopening this popular program is the latest step by the Biden-Harris administration to ensure over-the-counter COVID-19 testing is available to everyone who wants it this fall and winter,” Dawn O'Connell, HHS assistant secretary for preparedness and response, said in a statement.

The free home tests are being distributed following a rise in positive COVID-19 tests and in light of the beginning of the flu season in October.

“Before you visit your family and friends this holiday season, get a rapid test and help protect them from COVID-19,” O'Connell said.

The HHS said that since the program began in winter 2021, “the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and the USPS have distributed more than 900 million tests to households across the country.”

Tests can be ordered at COVIDTests.gov. To order tests that are more accessible to people with disabilities, visit ACL.gov/AccessibleTests.

Here's what you need to know about free Covid-19 tests.

When will the free COVID-19 tests be available?

According to HHS, the free COVID-19 tests will be available now through the end of the year. The agency will begin shipping the tests on Monday, September 30.

How to get free COVID-19 tests?

If you are interested in a free COVID-19 test, you can order one at COVIDTest.gov or special.usps.com/testkits.

Will the tests be available in participating pharmacies? If so, which ones?

Anyone who needs a home test immediately can still purchase one at pharmacies across the United States.

The HHS advises individuals to check with retailers and pharmacies in their area to find out where home tests are available.

Low-cost or free testing may also be available for people without health insurance. To find a COVID-19 testing site near you, contact an HRSA-funded health center or ICATT site to schedule an appointment with a pharmacy.

Do I need to show my ID or proof of residence for a COVID-19 test?

A United States Postal Service form requires people interested in the free tests to provide their name and shipping address. Email addresses are optional for people who want to receive shipping notifications.

Do the tests have to be picked up in person or can they be sent by mail?

The home tests are mailed to individuals' homes across the United States. Shipping is free.

COVID-19 tests will be more easily accessible

The HHS said the tests would be “more accessible” for people with disabilities, including improving testing technology for people who have difficulty using their hands and those who are blind or visually impaired.

In addition, HHS plans to reach marginalized households across the United States.

“These efforts complement ASPR's ongoing distribution of free COVID-19 testing to long-term care facilities, low-income senior living facilities, senior and disability networks, and other community organizations to support older adults and people with disabilities living in the community, uninsured individuals, and underserved communities,” the HHS press release said.

The HHS also adds that “to date, over one billion over-the-counter tests have been provided through this Community Access Program.”

What happens if my test is positive?

According to the CDC, the tests will be able to detect the currently prevalent COVID-19 variants.

The home tests typically provide results in 30 minutes or less and can be used on both vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Many COVID-19 tests now have a longer expiration date.

People who test positive should follow the latest CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.

Although positive results are accurate, the HHS warns that negative results do not necessarily rule out COVID-19 infection. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends two negative antigen tests for people with symptoms or three antigen tests for people without symptoms, each taken 48 hours apart.

Current COVID-19 data

The program will begin at a time when COVID-19 is expected to reach its winter peak along with influenza and respiratory virus (RSV).

COVID-19 case numbers are declining across the country after a summer surge peaked in early August. The share of COVID-19 tests returning positive dropped from 17.8% the week of August 10 to 14.9% the week of September 7, according to the CDC.

However, according to the CDC's latest projections, the COVID-19 variant KP.3.1.1 is responsible for more than half of all positive infections in the United States since this month.

Health authorities also expect the number of cases to rise again around December.

Previous infection or vaccination can give people some level of immunity or protection, but it doesn't last forever. The CDC recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get a current COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of whether they've ever been vaccinated.

This article has been updated with new information.

Contributor: Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY

Free COVID-19 tests now available through USPS, HHS: How to order them

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