Federal government to end free at-home COVID test program; where to find tests locally
Many of us have a cabinet full of free COVID-19 tests, but if you haven't ordered yours yet through the federal government, you only have a few days left to do it. The Biden administration is ending the free at-home test program Friday, Sept. 2.
The free at-home testing program started back in January when Congress made sure to allocate funding for it. However, that funding is running out. There is not enough money to replenish the nation's stockpile of tests. The program could restart if Congress decides to provide the additional funding needed.
The program's suspension comes ahead of Riverside County health officials' anticipated fall surge in COVID cases. The government's free at-home test program was started during the wave of the omicron variant surge when testing availability was limited.
By last May, the White House reported 350 million tests had been given away to 70 million households. That's more than half of the households in the country. The program provided up to 16 free covid tests per household.
If you want to order your free tests from the government before the program ends, head to www.covid.gov/tests.
Even though the federal program is ending, there are still different places you can find COVID-19 testing:
At-home tests at retailers and pharmacies
Several local big chain retailers and pharmacies have at-home testing kits readily available for sale.
Local school districts
All three Coachella Valley school districts told News Channel 3 that COVID-19 tests will be provided to students and their families.
Palm Springs Unified School District offers testing at its District Center in Palm Springs and all school sites during regular hours.
Desert Sands Unified School District offers rapid antigen tests in partnership with Desert HealthCare District and the California Department of Public Health. DSUSD's testing site is at the District Education Center in La Quinta.
Coachella Valley Unified School District is offering regular testing at all school sites. No appointment is needed.
Riverside County testing sites
Testing is available at multiple locations throughout Riverside County. The county collaborates with different testing partners to have testing sites across the Coachella Valley.
Click here to find the testing facility closest to you to schedule your test.
Insurance reimbursement for at-home tests
According to the federal government's COVID test ordering site, if you have health insurance through an employer or Marketplace, your insurance will pay you back for eight at-home tests each month for each person on your plan. Click here to learn more.
