ALT Since early 2022, the Biden administration has required private insurers and Medicare to cover up to eight at-home tests a month. But once the public health emergency lifts, most people with private insurance will most likely have to pay out of pocket for those tests — unless the kits come from the dwindling federal supply, said an author of the two reports, Jennifer Kates, a senior vice president at KFF. "For the most part, health plans aren't probably going to cover it. Some might, but most won't," Kates said. People with Medicare and those who are uninsured will most likely be charged for at-home tests, as well. However, some people with Medicare Advantage, which covers additional services, may still get at-home tests covered depending on their plans. Under the American Rescue Plan Act, people on Medicaid can get free at-home tests for about a year after the public health emergency ends. After that, coverage for at-home tests will vary by state.

ALT Table showing medicare and medicaid coverage of COVID tests, treatments, and vaccines.

ALT Table showing private insurance coverage of COVID tests, treatments, and vaccines.