How to Pay for COVID-19 Test Kits - Health Insurance, HSA and FSA

Posted 4/13/2022

Testing

Are you interested in obtaining COVID-19 self tests? There are other options besides free government funded COVID-19 test kits available through COVIDtest.gov. These include:

Health insurance reimbursement
HSA accounts
FSA accounts

If shortages occur with COVID-19 home tests provided by the government, there are still ways to obtain kits without having to pay for them yourself.

COVIDtest.gov - How Many Kits Can You Receive?

Each household can order up to 8 free at-home test kits from COVIDtest.gov. Delivery is also paid for by the federal government. You can expect your order to arrive within 7-12 days.

Private Health Insurance - Reimbursement

Starting January 15, 2022, the federal government requires all insurance providers and group health plans to pay for FDA approved COVID-19 self test kits.

Individuals with private health insurance can get reimbursed for up to eight test kits per month. However, you can receive more than eight if your doctor places the order.

However, test kit reimbursement only applies to:

Private insurance
Employer-sponsored insurance
Student health insurance

COVID-19 test kit reimbursement does not apply to patients on Medicaid, Medicare or voluntary insurance.

How to Get COVID-19 Tests With Private Health Insurance

With private insurance, you don’t have to pay for your COVID-tests. Here is how this works.

You can get your test kits online at certain providers and simply show your proof of insurance
If you want to pick up your test kit, you can go to specific pharmacies or retailers and show your proof of insurance
You can also purchase your test kit(s) and send in a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement

Insurance companies are required to provide reimbursement of up to $12 per test kit. This also applies to two-packs. So if you buy a two-pack kit, you can get reimbursed for up to $24.

HSA and FSA Funds Also Cover COVID-19 Test Kits

HSA and FSA are like savings accounts used to pay for medical expenses. HSA stands for Health Savings Account. FSA stands for Flexible Spending Account. These funds are tax free.

How to Get Started With An HSA

An HSA is used with a high deductible health insurance plan. If you are interested in getting started with this type of account, here are three ways.

Find HSA providers online
Talk to your insurance company and ask if they partner with an HSA company
Contact your bank to see if they provide options for HSA accounts

How to Get Started With An FSA

FSA accounts are a form of employee benefits. More information is available on the FSAFED’s website.

Employers can set up an FSA for their employees. They decide on the maximum contribution which is up to $2750.

Starting on the first day of the plan’s year, the FSA balance is available for use. Paycheck contributions by employees are made regularly throughout the year.

Both HSA and FSA funds are typically used for medical expenses not covered by health insurance. If you are interested in using HSA and FSA funds for COVID-19 self test kits, speak to your providers as well as your health insurance company.

Connecticut State Connecticut COVID-19 Response