[UCRDBR] Free Over-the Counter COVID-19 Tests Available

[Departmental Benefits Representatives]

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September 30, 2024


To:
Department Benefits Representatives
From:
HR Central Benefits Office on behalf of UC Office of the President
Re:
Free Over-the Counter COVID-19 Tests Available
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
DBRs, please share this information via your internal listserv.  Do not reply to this email.  Please send a separate email with questions to benefits at ucr.edu<mailto:benefits at ucr.edu>.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced another round of four free over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests per household, available while supplies last.  Individuals may order the tests by visiting https://www.covidtests.gov<https://www.covidtests.gov/>.  HHS will start shipping tests the week of September 30, 2024.

Many OTC COVID-19 tests have extended expiration dates beyond the date printed on the test packages. Visit OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic tests<https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests> for more information.

The latest coverage on COVID-19 tests by UC non-Medicare medical plans can be found at UCnet on COVID-19 tests updates<https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/health-plans/medical/covid-vaccine-coverage.html#ucbg>. While Medicare plans do not cover at-home OTC COVID-19 tests, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests are covered as a plan benefit when tests are ordered by physicians.

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