(Trends Wide) — Health insurers will have to cover over-the-counter COVID-19 home tests starting Saturday, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced Monday.
“As of January 15, 2022, people with private health insurance coverage or covered by a group health plan who purchase an over-the-counter covid-19 diagnostic test authorized or approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration The FDA may have the costs of these tests covered by your plan or insurance,” HHS said in a news release.
No doctor’s order, prescription, or office visit will be required, and testing will not be subject to copays or deductibles. Insurers will be required to pay for eight tests per covered person per month, either assuming the cost in advance or reimbursing the insured person. There is no limit to the number of tests that will be covered if ordered or performed by a physician or other professional after an office visit.
“This is all part of our global strategy to expand access to easy-to-do, at-home tests at no cost,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in the statement.
