Government opens website, makes free at-home COVID tests available
The federal government has launched its website for Americans to request free at-home COVID-19 tests. The website, COVIDTest.gov, includes a link for Americans to order four at-home tests per residential address, to be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.
Biden announced in December that the U.S. would purchase 500 million at-home tests to launch the program and earlier this month the president announced that he was doubling the order to 1 billion tests.
Americans shouldn’t expect a rapid turnaround on the orders. The White House said “tests will typically ship within 7-12 days of ordering” through USPS, which reports shipping times of 1-3 days for its first-class package service in the continental United States.
Officials emphasized that the federal website is just one way for people to procure COVID-19 tests, and shortages of at-home test kits have shown signs of easing as more supply has hit the market. Private insurance companies are required to cover the cost of at-home rapid tests under a presidential order, allowing Americans to be reimbursed for tests they purchase at pharmacies and online retailers. The order covers up to eight tests per month.