You can no longer get free COVID tests from the government, but you can find inexpensive ones online and in stores. With flu and COVID season under way, it’s a good idea to keep a few tests on hand.
At-Home COVID Tests
For about $13 you can get a set of two rapid antigen COVID tests from Walmart, Amazon and other retailers. You can also find combination COVID plus flu tests for about $18, and COVID plus RSV tests. Here are some of your options:
- From Walmart:
- iHealth COVID Test, 2-Pack (on sale for $12.58, regularly $19.99)
- iHealth COVID + Flu Test, 2 Tests (about $18)
- From Amazon:
At-home tests are usually eligible for purchase with a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA).
Medicare does not cover over-the-counter, at-home test kits. However, it does cover lab-based tests ordered by a doctor. Some but not all Medicare Advantage and other private insurance plans cover at-home tests.
Starting in January 2022, the federal government distributed free at-home tests to households through COVIDtests.gov. That program has ended.
Before using a test you already have at home, check the expiration date. The FDA has extended the expiration dates of many tests; you can look up your test at the link below.
FDA: At-Home COVID Test Expiration Dates
How to Perform and Read a COVID Test
COVID at-home test kits require you to swab both nostrils and put the swab into the test kit. In about 15 minutes you can read the result. Below is a video from UC Davis Health on how to perform the self-test and read the results.
For more details on at-home testing, visit: CDC Guidance on Home COVID tests
