Will Insurance Cover At-home Coronavirus Test?

'Whether you conduct your COVID-19 test at home or a clinic, if it's ordered by a licensed health care professional who believes it's medically appropriate, then federal legislation requires your private health plan to cover the cost,' said Sabrina Corlette, a research professor who studies health insurance policy at the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University, reported AARP.

However, it may be difficult to get a health care provider to order the test if you don't have symptoms or known exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, Corlette said. And you probably won't be able to get your insurance to pay for the OTC test if you pick it up at your local drug store if there's no doctor involved.

The U.S. CDC says 'Several tests have been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that allows people to collect specimens (nasal swab or saliva) at home or in a private location. The specimen is then sent to a laboratory for testing. Most of the at-home collection kits are prescription-only, but some of them can be purchased without a prescription.'

'A negative result means that COVID-19 was not found in your specimen. If you took the test while you had symptoms and followed all instructions carefully, a negative result usually means your current illness is not COVID-19. And tell your healthcare provider about your positive test result and stay in contact with them during your illness. To avoid spreading the virus to others, follow CDC recommendations,' which were updated on December 31, 2020.

If you are uninsured and receive COVID-19-related testing and/or treatment services, your provider may have submitted a claim to the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) for reimbursement of these services. Providers who participate in and are reimbursed from the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program are not allowed to "balance bill" individuals who do not have health care coverage (uninsured).