The end of the public health emergency declaration will impact coverage for COVID-19 testing, including at-home, PCR, and rapid tests.
At-home testing coverage:
- Medicare: People with traditional Medicare coverage will no longer receive free at-home tests.
- Medicaid: People with Medicaid coverage will have at-home tests covered at no cost through September 2024. After that date, COVID-19 at-home testing coverage will vary by state.
- Private insurance: People with private insurance and private Medicare plans (such as Medicare Advantage) will no longer be guaranteed free at-home tests. However, some insurers may continue to choose to cover them at their discretion.
- No insurance: People who are uninsured will continue to pay full price for at-home tests. Those who are uninsured or who cannot afford at-home tests may still be able to find them at a free clinic, community health center, public health department, library, or other local organization.
Looking for more communications resources about COVID-19 at-home tests? Find messaging and sample graphics in PHCC’s toolkit: When to Take an At-Home COVID-19 Test.
PCR and rapid antigen testing coverage:
- Medicare: People with traditional Medicare coverage will continue to receive free PCR and rapid antigen tests administered by a provider, but there may be a copay for the associated doctor’s visit.
- Medicaid: People with Medicaid will continue to receive free PCR and rapid antigen tests through September 2024. After that date, COVID-19 PCR and rapid antigen test coverage will vary by state.
- Private insurance: Coverage for PCR and rapid antigen tests will vary by insurer. People with private insurance and private Medicare plans may be subject to copays, depending on the plan. Some insurers may also begin to limit the number of covered tests or require tests to be done by in-network providers.
- No insurance: People who are uninsured can continue to purchase tests. Those who are uninsured or who cannot afford PCR and rapid antigen tests may still be able to access them at a free clinic or community health center.
Updated May 11, 2023