Free Covid Tests From Government – COVID-19 is still a headache for the federal government of the United States even though it has already been more than 2 ½ years since it started spreading in the United States. Each day, the federal government of the United States or its health departments come up with new decisions and guidelines to contain the spread of the virus as much as possible.

As you might already be aware, current vaccines for COVID-19 and its booster shots are not as effective as you might think against the virus. Several health experts in the country believe that currently dominating variants of COVID-19 are somewhat immune to current vaccines and their booster shots.

Till now, we have realized that there is only one thing that can save Americans from the deadly virus, and that is covered protocol. As per the COVID protocol, a person should keep wearing a face mask, maintain social distance and test themselves regularly.

The federal government of the United States also Has several programs where that offer free COVID testing to every eligible American throughout the nation. You might get surprised to know that the Free Covid Tests From Government are closing due to no funding from Congress.

Suspension of Free Covid Tests From Government 

A few days ago, the federal government of the United States announced that they are suspending Free Covid Tests From Government to every eligible household in the country. 

Back in January 2022, the federal government of the United States launched the scheme where they delivered rapid antigen tests to every eligible household in the country with the help of the United States Postal Service.

Those who have ordered the tests from the government have already received around 18 rapid antigen tests without any cost. As part of the program guidelines, each household in the United States was eligible to receive 16 rapid antigen tests free of cost from the federal government of the United States.

To deliver those rapid antigen tests, the United States Postal Service was helping the federal government. They also kept track of Delivery so that nobody could get more rapid antigen tests free of cost in the scheme.

The Biden administration has specifically mentioned in their press release that they have run out of money to fund the scheme, and now they are going to suspend all the services. People who have already ordered their tests before 2nd September will receive them without any delay. The United States Postal Service will deliver them in two weeks, and those who have successfully made their orders don’t have to worry about Anything.

What are the impacts of the suspension of Free Covid Tests From the Government?

Health experts around the nation have already expressed their disappointment in the decision. Even though the government already has several plans where a person can get tested without any cost, nothing can compensate for those Free Covid Tests From the Government.

There were several benefits of the scheme. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is in partnership with several pharmaceutical companies in the United States to provide free COVID testing with the help of federal funding, but there are several places in the country where these pharmacies do not provide any service.

In those locations, the United States Postal Service was easily delivering COVID test kits, and people were ensuring their safety without getting out or visiting any nearby city to find a laboratory. 

Surely, the decision is going to leave some impact on the fight against the virus in the country. In the last 7 to 8 months, the United States Postal Service has delivered around 16 tests through each household. 16 might not be a big number, but every test counts. We don’t know how many outbreaks it might have prevented.

Health Experts around the nation also fear that The suspension of the program might trigger some new outbreaks in the country. It will take some time to vaccinate every person in the United States with the latest variant-specific booster shots.

Alternatives of Free Covid Tests From Government

Since the suspension of Free Covid Tests By the Government, a lot of people have started looking for alternatives as it was very easy for Americans to get themselves tested at home without spending any bucks.

Some of you might be surprised to know that there are several other schemes and programs of the federal government to provide free COVID testing to every eligible American throughout the nation.

Nearby Pharmacies

As you might already be aware, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States is in partnership with several pharmaceutical companies in the nation to provide free COVID testing to every eligible American.

You can get yourself tested at nearby Walgreens, Rite Aid, or CVS pharmacy. All of these pharmacies are in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for free COVID testing. Apart from that, the CDC is also in partnership with Walmart and Quest Diagnostics.

Retail giant Walmart and laboratory king Quest Diagnostics have come together to help Americans with COVID testing. You can visit any of your nearby Walmart, and you will find a testing site of Quest Diagnostics. As per the program policies, you have to create online appointments before you visit the testing site.

These pharmacies might have same-day testing, but it is suggested to create your appointment at least 24 hours before testing time. You can visit their official website to make an appointment.

Reimbursements

If you enjoyed Free Covid Tests From Government, And you have health insurance, then you are in luck. The federal government of the United States directed every health insurance provider in the country to reimburse at least eight rapid antigen tests every month for each person in the policy.

For example, if you have family health insurance and there are five family members in that policy, it means you can get reimbursement for 40 rapid antigen tests each month from your health insurance provider. 

Before you buy a rapid antigen test for your reimbursements purpose, let me tell you a few things regarding the scheme. Make sure you are buying a representation test approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States. 

Apart from all that, you should also make sure you are buying it from a legitimate source. We suggest you visit any of your nearby legitimate pharmacies and get the bill for your tests.

State Government Programs

Along with the federal government of the United States, local state governments also have several programs where they provide free COVID tests to all of their citizens. If you don’t know any state-run programs, then you can visit any of your nearby community health care centers. Officials at the community health care center will be able to help you. 

Buy Them

Lastly, if you have already exhausted the above-given sources or you are not eligible for any of them, then you can also buy a rapid antigen test from your nearby pharmacies. These tests are very cheap as you can buy a pack of two tests for just $20. It means every test is going to cost you around $10. If you want more than two tests, then the pharmacy might have a special discount for bulk orders. Don’t worry. Bulk orders don’t mean that you have to buy hundreds of tests. Companies like Ihealth are offering bulk discounts on five boxes also.

Future of other Free Covid Tests From Government

Soon after the suspension of pre-COVID tests from the government, people started talking about the future of other schemes and programs offered by the government. 

If Congress did not release the funds for Free Covid Tests From Government which were very helpful to test people who live in remote locations, then there is a high probability that Congress might ask the Biden administration to suspend all similar services. 

There is no doubt that these services are putting too much financial pressure on Congress, and they want to save as much money as possible. A few weeks ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also suspended free COVID testing for people who are traveling internationally. The trend is downward, and we might see a complete ban on all other programs also.