Free Covid Tests Won’t Be Guaranteed After May 11

Some costs may shift to become out-of-pocket.

The U.S. covid-19 public health emergency officially ends this month and free covid-19 tests aren’t guaranteed after May 11th. Some costs may shift to become out-of-pocket. However, there are still ways to take advantage of the benefits of the public health emergency before it expires. Pharmacies and other retailers have home tests, and costs may be covered up-front or reimbursed by insurance plans. There’s also the federal website Covid.gov/tests that allows U.S. households to order free test kits for delivery. The site is still up and running, with four free tests available to any household that hasn’t ordered since december. Also, the Food and Drug Administration has extended the expiration date for many home tests beyond what’s on the box, advising that you check the FDA website before throwing them out.