Update 9/26/24: Available again, shipping starts on September 30, 2024.
Update 3/5/24: This program is ending on Friday (3/8/24)
Update 11/20/23: Available again from today
Update 9/21/23: New round available from 9/25/23 at covid.gov/tests
Update 12/15/22: Live now at covid.gov/tests
Update 12/14/22: Program will be live again from 12/22/22
Update 8/30/22: Program ends on Friday, September 2nd
Update 5/16/22: Third round now live, this time 8 free tests.
Update 3/7/22: The second round is now live
Update 3/2/22: Starting next week every household is eligible for another four free COVID-19 home test kits.
Original Post:
Beginning today, each household can order up to 4 free Covid-19 home tests directly from the US government website with no credit card required and no shipping cost.
Insurance companies are now required to cover and reimburse home Covid tests, up to 8 per month at up to $12 each, but this government benefit works even for someone without insurance or who doesn’t want to go through the reimbursement process. These probably would not count against your limit-8 since they are not being paid for by the insurance companies.
I don’t plan on hoarding tests as I’d rather leave them for those who need, but do plan on getting a few tests to have on hand in case of future need.