Free COVID-19 Tests Available Again for Fall 2024

Free COVID-19 Tests Available Again

As cases of a new COVID-19 variant tick upward across the U.S., the federal government is again offering Americans free at-home COVID-19 test kits. Individuals and households can begin ordering the test kits later this month, following a summer wave of infections.

How to Order COVID-19 Tests

The Biden Administration restarted the same testing program last fall after a brief pause to conserve supplies. U.S. Health and Human Services, which oversees the program, has not yet announced when orders will be accepted again through the COVIDTests.gov website. Once an order is placed, the U.S. Postal Service will ship the kits directly to homes.

• Households can order up to four test kits each.
• The over-the-counter kits detect current COVID-19 variants.
• Tests are expected to arrive ahead of major holiday gatherings.

Health and Human Services recommends testing for COVID-19 so that individuals can seek treatment, self-isolate, and take necessary precautions to prevent further infection.

Cost and Accessibility

Tests can be expensive when bought over-the-counter. For instance, a pack of two BinaxNow COVID-19 antigen self-tests from Abbott costs $18.99 at CVS.com. Ensuring access to free tests is crucial for many families.

Additionally, the government is renewing efforts to curb the virus's spread with updated COVID-19 vaccinations. Last month, the FDA approved new vaccine formulations from Pfizer and Moderna, which are currently available at pharmacies nationwide.