We need free rapid at-home COVID tests for all
Without free tests, many people simply won’t test.
Under the pandemic emergency protections, health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, were required to pay for 8 Rapid tests per month. This policy must continue.
Please join us in writing to elected representatives to say we all still need free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs). You may send your own letter, send our suggested text, or edit it, using our form or sending to your elected representatives directly.
Sample Letter to Representatives:
It’s dangerous and unacceptable to end health insurance coverage on May 11th for the 8 monthly rapid at home COVID tests (Rapid Antigen Tests – RATs) that our families and communities have relied on.
Especially for uninsured people, the government program offering 4 tests per household through the USPS was a great idea that should be continued and expanded. But that was far less than what’s needed to really protect ourselves and our families, and help protect our co-workers. (Many states will be slashing Medicaid enrollment this year, so the number of uninsured people needing access to free tests will soar!)
At a minimum, 8 tests per month per person should continue to be covered by all health insurance including private plans, Medicare and Medicaid – and available via the US Postal Service to everyone including uninsured people.
Without free tests, many people simply won’t test, and will go to work or school sick – and won’t seek treatment that could keep them from getting sicker.
COVID isn’t over, so we need at-home TESTS.
Spread the word with Sample social media messages:
Don’t end access to free rapid at-home covid tests! https://actionnetwork.org/letters/we-need-free-rapid-home-covid-tests-for-all/
We need free rapid at-home covid tests for all! https://actionnetwork.org/letters/we-need-free-rapid-home-covid-tests-for-all/
Require health insurance to keep covering free at-home covid tests! https://actionnetwork.org/letters/we-need-free-rapid-home-covid-tests-for-all/
Free covid testing for all is essential for our safety! https://actionnetwork.org/letters/we-need-free-rapid-home-covid-tests-for-all/
More information on the consequences of the expiring Public Health Emergency:
KFF.org - The End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: Details on Health Coverage and Access
After May 11, 2023, people with traditional Medicare will no longer receive free, at-home tests. For those on Medicaid, at-home tests will be covered at no cost through September 2024. After that date, home test coverage will vary by state.
Those with private insurance and Medicare Advantage (private Medicare plans) no longer will be guaranteed free at-home tests, but some insurers may continue to voluntarily cover them.
