At-home COVID-19 tests are good to have on hand when someone in your household has been exposed or is showing symptoms. There are a few routes Southeast Michigan residents can take to find, purchase, and in some instances, be reimbursed for at-home COVID-19 tests.
Order free tests from the U.S. Government.
Every residential home in the U.S., including U.S. territories and overseas military and diplomatic addresses, is eligible to order a set of four free at-home COVID-19 tests. As of January 28, over 60 million American households ordered free COVID tests, which the United States Postal Service has started to deliver.
In addition, the U.S. Government is distributing 400 million N95 masks to pharmacies and community health centers across the country to distribute for free. Contact your local Meijer, CVS, Walgreens, or health center for details on when masks will be available.
Purchase at-home COVID-19 tests online
Large retailers including Walmart, Target, and Walgreens are listing at-home tests online for purchase as inventory lasts. Ordering online is a great option for those who aren’t comfortable visiting local stores in search of at-home tests.
Visit local pharmacies
Depending on where you live, many pharmacies receive weekly or even daily restocks of at-home COVID-19 tests. Some pharmacies, like Walgreens or CVS, notify users online if there are locations with available stock. If there aren’t any at-home tests in stock at your local pharmacy, you may need to call and ask when the next shipment will be delivered. Please note, it is important to be patient throughout this process. The people working at your local pharmacy are doing their best and need your kindness.
Utilize offerings for free or reimbursed at-home tests through your insurance provider
Insurance companies worked quickly to implement programs to help members find, purchase, and be reimbursed for at-home COVID-19 tests. Individuals should check with their insurance provider for details.
For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network (BCN) launched a preferred pharmacy network for over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests on Feb. 1, 2022. The network enables commercial members with Blue Cross or BCN pharmacy coverage to obtain free COVID-19 tests when purchased in person at a preferred pharmacy. The preferred COVID-19 test network includes:
- Walmart
- Rite Aid
- Sam’s Club
Members are encouraged to get at-home tests through the pharmacy counter by presenting their Blue Cross or BCN ID card. The tests are provided at no cost. For complete details, visit bcbsm.com/coronavirus.
Additionally, reimbursements are available to qualified Blue Cross and BCN members who purchased at-home COVID-19 tests at an out-of-network pharmacy.
- If you purchased a test online or at a non-preferred pharmacy you can be reimbursed for $12 or the cost of the test, whichever is lower. To request reimbursement, submit this form.
- If you purchased an at-home test between Jan. 15 and Jan. 31 or purchased an at-home test ordered by a provider and want to be reimbursed, submit this form.
Whether you order online or visit local pharmacies, having a few at-home COVID-19 tests available when someone in your household has been exposed or is showing symptoms can help limit the spread of coronavirus variants in your community.