Biden Administration Requires Insurers to Cover At-Home COVID Tests

Strategic Insights -

The Biden administration announced on Monday that private insurers will be required to cover the cost of up to eight at-home coronavirus rapid tests per person per month. The plan, set to take effect on Saturday, aims to increase access to COVID-19 tests and make them more affordable for millions of Americans. Experts consider at-home antigen tests a crucial tool in the fight against the pandemic, and other countries have been relying on them for months.

Key Takeaways:

  • Private insurers will be required to cover the cost of up to eight at-home coronavirus rapid tests per person per month, starting on Saturday.
  • The plan applies to all at-home tests approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and can be purchased online or in-person at a pharmacy or store.
  • Consumers may be eligible for reimbursement for the cost of the tests, and over-the-counter test purchases will be covered without a healthcare provider's order or individualized clinical assessment.
  • The plan does not limit the number of tests covered if ordered or administered by a healthcare provider for individuals with underlying medical conditions.
  • The Biden administration has come under pressure to address shortages of rapid tests and prohibitive prices.
  • Health insurance industry groups have expressed concerns about the policy not addressing supply shortages and potential consumer friction.
  • President Biden has outlined plans to expand coronavirus testing sites, deploy federal health resources, and distribute half-billion free at-home tests.

Statistics:

  • Up to 8 at-home coronavirus rapid tests per person per month will be covered by private insurers.
  • Over 500 million coronavirus test kits are to be distributed to households across the country.
  • Half a billion free at-home tests will be distributed by the administration.
  • Medicare pays for COVID-19 diagnostic tests performed by a laboratory when the test is ordered by a physician, pharmacist, or other authorized healthcare professional.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press

- Matt Eyles, president of America's Health Insurance Plans

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

- Kim Keck, president

  • Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

- Statement from Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, administrator of HHS's Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

- Statement from Xavier Becerra, HHS Secretary