Medicare has a new initiative that will cover up to eight free at home Covid test kits, each calendar month, at no cost to you.
People can finally have a sigh of relief after suffering from the pandemic for over a year. However, the problem has not yet vanished completely. Covid-19 is not eliminated from the world, and there are still chances that you catch the virus.
Vaccinations have significantly controlled the spread of the virus, but you still need attentive care. Ignorance or unnecessary leniency towards preventive measures can still turn the tables. The world has still not been cured of the aftereffects of the pandemic. We cannot afford to let it happen all over again.
This is why Covid testing is still crucial. Experts suggest taking a rapid test if you detect any symptoms. The free at home Covid test kits are ideal for this purpose.
What is an At-Home Covid Test Kit?
At home, covid test kits are also known as self-test or Over-The-Counter test kits. As the name refers, it is a testing kit that allows you to take the Covid test at your home or by yourself. These kits eliminate the need to visit a lab for testing. They are ideal when you are looking for urgent results.
It involves taking your sample by yourself. It is as easy as doing any other routine activity. You can then perform the test by following the directions given on the kit. Finally, you can read and interpret your results without the need for any professional assistance.
The most highlighting characteristic of a self-test kit is that you can use it anywhere. Whether you are at home or office, you can take a quick test with this kit. Even if you have minor symptoms and you want to make sure that you do not catch Covid-19, you can use this kit.
The following are some important things you must keep in mind.
- A self-test kit is not suitable for measuring the level of immunity of a person. I
- They are not PCR tests usually taken at labs but rather rapid antigen tests.
- Whether you have Covid-19 symptoms or not, the testing kit works right.
- It allows you to get results within half an hour.
How to Use an At-Home Test Kit?
The purpose of an at-home Covid test kit is to detect current infection. This is what every kit does; however, the testing method might vary among different brands. The two popular methods prevalent among self-testing kits include nasal swabs and saliva testing.
- The directions for taking both types of test are the same. Firstly, you must wash your hands thoroughly before taking the sample.
- Make sure that the kit is not expired.
- The surface of the place where testing is taking place must also be clean.
- Follow the instructions given by the company.
- You might need to take a test multiple times to get accurate results.
Using a Covid self-test kit is very easy and convenient for others. Here is when you should consider using it.
- If you have Covid-19 symptoms, you must take a test immediately.
- If you have met someone having a Covid-19 infection, you must take a test but not immediately. It is better to wait for a few days to avoid the risk of false negative results. If the results are negative, wait for a few days and test again.
- If you plan to attend a public gathering, make sure you have your testing kit. Take a test right before going to the event to ensure others’ safety. After coming back from the gathering, wait for a few days and take another test. These directions are applicable when you have no symptoms. In case of symptoms, take tests immediately.
Why is it Necessary?
The vaccination has helped people develop immunity against the virus. Due to this, the risk of getting the infection has been reduced. It has also made recovery from the infection easier. In case of mild symptoms, staying in isolation, taking rest, and having a good diet can prove to be enough for fighting the virus.
Taking rapid tests is an effective way to minimize the risk of spreading the virus again. It helps individuals identify the infection at an initial stage so that they can follow prevention. As a result, they can deal with the illness efficiently at an early stage.
At home, tests might not be as accurate as the PCR tests but still, have a high accuracy ratio. The PCR tests involve more time in processing the sample and producing results. On the other hand, OTC tests generate quick results.
How to Get an At-Home Covid Test Kit Free?
The US government announced free at-home test kits for each household in January. It allowed each family to get four kits irrespective of their size. The number was later increased twice, and now you can get 16 free test kits for a household. Here is how to get them before it ends.
All you have to do is visit the US postal service (USPS). Fill in the required information so that they can deliver the test kits. It includes shipping information and contact details. Since they are free, you do not need to provide payment details. After completing your information, you can check out the website.
Verify your information once again before confirming your order. You will then receive a confirmation email. After the package ships, you will receive another email. You can use it to track your order. You will receive a total of 16 kits in three rounds. For each round, wait for a confirmation email.
It usually takes seven to 12 days to receive your first round of shipping. It might take even more time if your residential address is difficult to recognize. You can contact the help desk to know the details in case of a delay in shipping.
The US government has recently decided to pause providing free at-home testing kits. The testing needs are not yet fulfilled, and therefore this decision has raised several concerns among people. This announcement might have left you thinking, “how to get a free at-home Covid test kit?”
Other Ways to Get a Covid Test Kit
If you are looking for a free self-testing kit, you can get them from different resources. You can get the ones offered by the government. However, these kits will not be available soon. Due to a lack of funds, the government has decided to suspend the free at-home Covid test kits for each household. Here is how you can still get a free Covid test kit.
Local Pharmacies
You can check your local pharmacies, retailers, and vendors offering such kits. You might find various companies providing you with at-home testing kits authorized by the FDA. Search for them online and place your order according to your testing needs.
Reimbursement through Insurance
Another method is to get reimbursement through your insurance plan. If you have your health expenditures covered under insurance, you can get your money back. It provides you with reimbursement for up to eight tests a month as an individual. This means that a family of six can get 48 free tests a month.
Important Factors to Consider
When taking an at-home Covid test kit free, you must take some factors into consideration. The following are some of the most important among them.
Type of Test
The rapid antigen tests might be of two types. One requires taking a saliva sample. The other includes a nasal swab to collect samples. Both types of tests are effective for detecting Covid-19 infection. You can choose the one with which you are the most comfortable.
How Quickly does it Generate Results?
At-home Covid test kits provide you with a quicker result than the on-site tests. The average time in which you can get results is 30 minutes. It varies among different kits. Some might allow you to get results within 10 to 15 minutes. You can use them for urgent use. Some might take an hour.
Another to take into concern regarding the results is whether it requires a smartphone or not. Some kits work fine without the need for any electronic gadget, and you can read the results by yourself. Some other kits might require expert supervision and a smartphone for processing the test results. Choose the one that is more convenient for you.
Other Details
Some other details besides the ones mentioned above can be of great use when ordering a free at-home Covid test kit. One of them is whether the kit is for people having symptoms or not having symptoms. You will find different kits in the market for both kinds of use. Usually, people without symptoms have to take serial tests.
This means that they must retake the test after a few days to ensure the credibility of the results. You might catch the infection without any significant symptoms, such as high fever, runny nose, or difficulty breathing.
Who Can Benefit from at home Covid Test Kits?
The biggest advantage of free at-home Covid tests is that they are useful for everyone. It includes children, adults, and older people. Here are people for whom at-home testing kits are a lifesaver.
Travelers
Whether you are traveling for official work or entertainment, a self-testing kit can be a game changer for you. Many countries have lifted the restriction of showing negative PCR results before traveling. Experts still suggest taking a test before and after boarding, even if you are fully vaccinated. Several countries, tourist spots, and cruises accept at-home Covid test results.
Your OTC test kit saves you from the hassle of finding a laboratory nearby to get your PCR test done. It is easy to carry and use. You can keep it along with you and use it as per your needs.
Students
Educational institutions are now fully functional with the requirement of vaccination. Students usually have close interactions with their friends and class fellows at their educational institutions. It increases the risk of catching and spreading the virus. The risk is higher among younger students than the older ones who are keener towards following precautions.
You can use these kits to conduct a quick test at home if your child shows any symptoms. Those who are studying abroad or live in hostels can also use them. They can stay safe and keep others also safe in case of positive results.
Seniors 65+
Historically seniors have been affected by the virus at a higher rate. They need more care and may require frequent testing. At-home testing is crucial for this age group.
Which is why Medicare has a new initiative that will cover up to eight over-the-counter COVID-19 at home test kits each calendar month, at no cost to you. Visit MedNow to place your order. No credit card required. Shipping is free.
It saves them from the inconvenience of visiting a lab frequently. It is also helpful in providing you with immediate results in case of an emergency. You can then decide on further steps according to the test results.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that free at-home covid tests are only a way to ensure the safety of yourself, your loved ones, and others. Following preventive measures and seeking medical attention when needed is very important. Make sure you are fully vaccinated. If you need booster shots, get them, also.