COVID-19 - Insurance Updates and Information
Types of COVID‑19 tests
Rapid antigen home tests are a fast, easy way to get a quick result if one has symptoms, think they have been exposed to someone with COVID‑19, or plan to gather indoors with those who may be at risk including unvaccinated children, older individuals, and those who are immunocompromised. Results are typically available within 30 minutes. Rapid antigen home tests are available at local drugstores or online.
PCR tests are usually processed in a lab and results are typically available in 1-3 days.
PCR tests are usually processed in a lab and results are typically available in 1-3 days.
How to get FDA‑approved rapid antigen home tests:
Starting January 19, 2022 anyone can request free rapid antigen home tests, without shipping fees, from the federal government.
Blue Shield - Reimbursal for At-Home Test Kits
Per guidance issued by the Biden Administration on January 10, 2022, Blue Shield will provide coverage for at-home COVID-19 tests for personal use that were purchased on or after January 15, 2022 and will cover these tests without cost-sharing, medical management, or prior authorization for members in individual and group health plans. To be eligible for coverage, at-home COVID tests must be purchased by the participant, beneficiary, or enrollee for personal use, and not for employment purposes nor resale.
To be reimbursed for at-home test kits, members must submit the Subscriber's Statement of Claim form found below and proof of purchase receipt. The proof of purchase receipt should include the name of the retailer, including the street address, or, if purchased online, the website address; date of purchase; UPC code for the at-home test kit; and the cost of the at-home test kit.
Additional information/resources on COVID-19 testing can be tracked on the following site: https://www.blueshieldca.com/bsca/bsc/wcm/connect/sites/Sites_Content_EN/coronavirus/coverage-testing
Kaiser Permanente - Reimbursal for At-Home Test Kits
Following guidance from the Biden administration, Kaiser Permanente will now reimburse members for FDA‑approved rapid antigen home tests. Members can submit a reimbursement claim here for tests purchased on or after January 15.