The Wall Street Journal: White House Says Private Insurers to Cover Rapid Covid-19 Tests

Starting Saturday, January 15th, all private insurers will have to cover the cost of over-the-counter rapid COVID-19 tests. The new regulation is part of President Biden’s plan to make testing and screening more affordable. An average cost of a rapid test is $12. The policy change means that individuals with private insurance will be able to receive reimbursement s for up to 8 rapid tests per month without any cost-sharing. A family of four for example will be able to be reimbursed for up to 32 rapid tests a month. The Biden administration is encouraging insurance companies and group health plans to set up partnerships with local pharmacies and retailers to simplify the process and allow people to get free over-the-counter rapid tests without having to pay upfront or apply for reimbursement afterward. Today, the lack of coordinated public health efforts and strategies leaves numerous communities without the necessary resources to mitigate the spread of the virus. This will hopefully be a step in the right direction to make testing more readily available and affordable. Read the full article here