Health New England Expands COVID-19 At-home Test-kit Coverage

SPRINGFIELD — Health New England (HNE) is covering the cost of up to eight FDA-approved, at-home COVID-19 tests per member per month for commercial, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid members. HNE members can present their membership ID card at any Walmart Pharmacy or Rite Aid and get the tests for no money out-of-pocket, or they can be reimbursed for the cost of tests from other vendors up to $12 per test.

In addition, anyone can have free home COVID-19 tests mailed to them from the federal government by visiting www.covidtests.gov or special.usps.com/testkits.

The coverage for commercial and Medicaid members is in accordance with federal and state requirements; however, Health New England has opted to also cover the cost for those with Medicare Advantage coverage. This decision ensures that older individuals who may be high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 have access to this benefit and helps reduce barriers to testing.

Find more information about Health New England’s COVID-19 at-home test coverage and reimbursement forms at healthnewengland.org/covid-testing-coverage.