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Originally appeared on Good Info News Wire: https://goodinfo.news/politics/u-s-provides-another-round-of-free-mail-in-covid-tests/
Article Summary
The Biden administration is providing Americans with a new round of free at-home coronavirus tests through the Postal Service, with households being able to order up to eight tests. This program was revived in September, after being dormant for some time. Coronavirus hospitalizations and deaths are currently far below the peak levels seen during the pandemic. Previously, private insurers were required to cover up to eight at-home tests per month, however, this ended in May making it harder for Americans to access tests without incurring costs. In addition to the Postal Service program, the Department of Health and Human Services is providing over four million tests weekly to long-term care facilities, schools, community health centers and food banks.
Biden Administration’s New Round of Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
As the holiday season approaches, the Biden administration offers a new round of free at-home COVID-19 tests for Americans through the Postal Service. The program was revived in September, allowing households to order four free tests through a federal website, covidtests.gov. As of Monday, households can order up to eight tests, doubling the initial quantity.
Despite the pandemic claiming the lives of over 1.1 million people in the United States, COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths are far below their peak levels. There was a slight increase in hospital admissions over summer, but numbers started declining in September and have remained relatively steady with approximately 16,000 people admitted weekly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Changes to Insurance Coverage on COVID-19 Testing
Previously, private insurers were mandated to cover up to eight at-home tests per month. However, this requirement ended in May with the expiration of the public health emergency for the coronavirus. This change made it more challenging for many Americans to access tests without incurring costs.
Apart from the Postal Service program, the federal Department of Health and Human Services announced the provision of over four million tests weekly to establishments such as long-term care facilities, schools, community health centers, and food banks.
