Global Courant 2023-05-05 18:00:27
The passage of the national COVID-19 public health emergency on Thursday evening means the end of free home testing for some, though many Californians can still get their hands on screening kits.
At the end of the scheduled May 11 due date, a federal rule requiring insurers to reimburse policyholders for the cost of up to eight at-home COVID tests per month ends.
This tightening of the testing tap will affect some Medicare beneficiaries and threatens to limit or shut down access to free testing in part of the country.
But in California, state lawmakers and Governor Gavin Newsom have taken steps to avoid that scenario.
Here’s what you need to know:
How will access testing change?
For many in California, there won’t be any changes anytime soon. State lawmakers have already ordered health insurers to continue reimbursement of eight monthly home tests for most health insurance plans.
What are the details?
Following the passage of Senate bills 510 And 1473health plans regulated by the California Department of Managed Health Care are still required to cover the cost of eight over-the-counter rapid tests per month for each insured person.
In addition to employer-based health coverage, this includes Medi-Cal Managed plans and Covered California plans.
As of Nov. 11, insurers regulated by the state Department of Managed Health Care must still cover COVID tests if they are offered in-network, but may charge for tests purchased out-of-network.
This covers most insured Californians, including those with plans through their employers — but not everyone. For example, Medicare beneficiaries in the state may lose access.
What about Medicare?
Medicare has said beneficiaries’ access to free over-the-counter tests ends on the evening of May 11, so there’s still time to stock up before then. Walk-in customers can request free tests at some pharmacies.
However, Medicare beneficiaries may have different insurance that still covers home COVID testing.
Plus, Medicare will still do that coverfree laboratory tests for coronavirus ordered by a healthcare provider, also after May 11.
“If you are enrolled in Medicare Part B, you will remain covered at no out-of-pocket cost for appropriate lab-based COVID-19 PCR and antigen tests, when a provider orders them (such as drive-through PCR and antigen testing or testing in a provider’s office), Medicare said in a statement. “If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have more access to tests depending on your benefits. Check with your plan.
How can I claim free tests?
Contact your insurer for more information about getting reimbursed for COVID tests at home. You can purchase tests, submit a claim form for reimbursement, and receive a check in the mail. The federal rule, which expires May 11, reimburses up to $12 per individual test (some test kits contain two tests per box).
Kaiser Permanente is giving California members the option to receive up to eight tests per month in the mail for free, which will continue not only after May 11, but also after November 11.
Free testing at home tests will continue to be available in numerous locations, including Los Angeles County libraries, vaccination sites operated by the county Department of Health, food banks and senior centers.
Residents can also use the state portal, MyTurn.ca.gov/testto find a COVID-19 testing site near them.
LA County seniors 65 and older or those unable to leave their homes can apply two free tests be emailed to them.
