During the public health emergency period, your plan will cover FDA-authorized over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID-19 tests purchased on or after January 15, 2022. This benefit includes up to 8 COVID-19 tests per member every calendar month — no prescription needed.
For information on where find at-home tests, how to submit for reimbursement and more, read on.
How to get OTC at-home COVID-19 tests
Visit any in-store or online retailer to purchase an OTC at-home COVID-19 antigen test. You have 2 options for reimbursement.
- Through UnitedHealthcare, you can get reimbursed for purchasing a COVID-19 at-home test by submitting your receipt along with a reimbursement form. Maximum reimbursement of up to $12 per test. Many COVID-19 tests are sold as a 2-pack kit and would be reimbursed at a maximum of up to $24 per kit (up to $12 for each test) Submit a receipt for reimbursement
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- Through your Pharmacy Benefit Manager (your Pharmacy Insurance), you can get reimbursed for purchasing a COVID-19 test. They may also have the option to purchase a COVID-19 test through a retail pharmacy network that they have set up. Please reach out to your Pharmacy Benefit Manager or employer to better understand what benefit options are available, including where to find at-home tests and how to submit for reimbursement.
Frequently asked questions
Purchasing OTC at-home COVID-19 antigen tests
How many OTC at-home COVID-19 tests can be purchased at one time?
Your plan will reimburse you up to 8 COVID-19 tests every calendar month for each covered member under your plan. You may purchase up to 8 COVID-19 tests per covered member at one time unless other limits apply or as tests are available.
Can I purchase an OTC at-home COVID-19 test that costs more than $12?
Yes. If you get a COVID-19 test at your plan’s Preferred Retailer, you won’t need to pay anything out-of-pocket. At any other location, you may purchase an FDA-authorized test, but you will only be reimbursed at a maximum of up to $12 per test. will be reimbursed for the full retail purchase price for each test.
Which OTC at-home COVID-19 antigen tests are part of the OTC program?
- Only FDA-authorized or approved tests that administered and read without physician or lab involvement are covered as part of the Preferred Retailer program (FDA-authorization is typically shown on the packaging)
- COVID-19 tests, including tests that are administered or read by physician or lab, with a provider order or clinical assessment are not part of the OTC program but are covered at $0 cost share
Reimbursement for OTC at-home COVID-19 tests
How do I get reimbursed for OTC at-home COVID-19 tests?
There are two ways to get reimbursed for your OTC at-home COVID-19 tests:
- Through UnitedHealthcare, you’ll need to submit a reimbursement form, including a receipt showing the date you purchased the OTC at-home COVID-19 test(s), as well as the cost(s) – maximum of up to $12 per test. Call the number on the back of your member ID card with any questions.
Submit a receipt for reimbursement .
- Through your Pharmacy Benefit Manager (your Pharmacy Insurance), you can get reimbursed for purchasing a COVID-19 test. They may also have the option to purchase a COVID-19 test through a retail pharmacy network that they have set up. Please reach out to your Pharmacy Benefit Manager or employer to better understand what benefit options are available, including where to find at-home tests and how to submit for reimbursement.
How will my reimbursement be sent?
If you are submitting for reimbursement through UnitedHealthcare, you’ll be reimbursed via direct deposit, provided it’s set up as your preferred method — if not, your reimbursement will be mailed to you.
How long will it take to receive my reimbursement?
If you are submitting for reimbursement through UnitedHealthcare, reimbursements are sent within 10-20 days. To help avoid delays, make sure you complete all requested information.
How many OTC at-home COVID-19 tests can I get reimbursed for?
You can get reimbursed for up to 8 COVID-19 tests per covered member every calendar month. Some COVID-19 tests contain 2 tests per kit. Both of those tests count toward the limit of 8 every calendar month. So, if you get 4 tests kits with 2 tests in each kit, that equals the 8 tests every calendar month.
What if other items I purchased also appear on my receipt?
Only the cost of OTC at-home COVID-19 tests — at a maximum of up to $12 per test — will be reimbursed.
Can I submit a photo of a receipt?
Yes.
Do I need to get a doctor’s prescription for reimbursement for an OTC at-home COVID-19 test purchased after January 15?
No.
Do I need to submit my COVID-19 test results in order to receive reimbursement?
No.