The Biden Administration is about to start giving away free COVID-19 tests and getting one should be relatively simple. The popular Binax Now tests can be procured (for free) a couple of different ways. We explain.
Perhaps too late, the Biden Administration is finally addressing the severe lack of available COVID-19 tests through a two-pronged approach that takes effect this January. Under this new program, there are two easy ways to get a free Binax Now COVID-19 test from the government and two dates readers need to be aware of.
Two easy ways to get a free Binax Now COVID-19 test from the government
There are two easy ways to obtain a free Binax Now COVID-19 test from the government:
- Option 1: Buy a Binax Now Test and your insurance company will reimburse you
- Option 2: Order a free Binax Now Test from the government and they will ship it right to your house (up to 4 test kits!)
Let’s examine both options.
Option 1: Buy a Binax Now Test and your insurance company will reimburse you
As of January 15, those with health insurance can purchase the popular Binax Now COVID-19 test (made by Abbot Labs) and submit their receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement. Readers will need to consult with their individual health insurance companies for specific handling procedures and requirements, although the program will only reimburse up to $12 for the tests and most insurance companies are providing shopping portals for their customers. Insurers must cover up to 8 test kits per month.
The downside to this approach is that, well, it’s been nearly impossible to find any Binax Now tests pretty much anywhere. Yes, the Omicron variant and the post-holiday travel infections have run roughshod through the population leading to massive shortages of this popular (and easy to use) test. However, should you be able to actually find one, you should be able to get reimbursed for it.
Where to look for one? Hard to say, but the best chances seem to be checking the local inventory of popular retailers like Walmart, CVS, Rite-Aid, or Walgreens. We’ve provided links (affiliate) to each company below to make it easy for you:
- Walmart Binax Now Inventory
- Walgreens Binax Now Inventory
- CVS Binax Now Inventory
- Rite-Aid Binax Now Inventory
Again, we stress that readers should consult their health insurance providers for detailed purchase and reimbursement instructions.
Because of the massive shortages in the popular Binax Now option, many consumers are turning to other options, however, these brands do not currently appear to be supported by the government’s reimbursement program. One great option is the iHealth COVID-19 Rapid Test which works very similarly to the Binax Now option. We’ve used it several times with great results. It’s currently in-stock on Amazon, but it often goes out of stock pretty quickly.
Option 2: Order a free Binax Now Test from the government and they will ship it right to your house (up to 4!)
Your second option to obtain a free COVID-19 test is to order one directly from the government. That’s right, now almost two years into this pandemic the government has finally decided to provide free tests to Americans. What a novel concept…
Starting on January 19, folks can order up to 4 Binax Now Test kits directly from the government using the COVIDTests.gov website.
- COVIDTests.gov – order four free Binax Now Test Kits starting January 19
Tests are free, no credit card information is required and you only have to provide a name and shipping address. No shipping costs are being passed onto the consumer – at least not directly (ahem…taxes).
This might be a great option for folks who anticipate needing testing. For example, as folks who travel for work quite a bit, we try to keep a few tests on hand to use before and after traveling. We may also use them before attending a family event or other activity to help minimize the transmission of the virus and/or to help others feel safer about our presence at their event. While the tests have been harder and harder to get, we’ve used this method quite successfully over the course of the last two years and now the government is going to give you four. We’ll take ’em.
