“Free” Covid Tests Running Out Soon

Rite Aid has been a steady, effortless supplier for me.

While I’m working on the next post about insomnia during a really busy week, here is a quick public service announcement written from the parking lot of a Rite Aid in Philly:

*The federal mandate compelling health insurers to cover 8 rapid antigen Covid tests per month will be expiring in <2 months on May 11, 2023. Unless insurance companies suddenly change their business model from profit-oriented goals, expect future tests to cost $10 each out of pocket.

If you buy rapid antigen tests for Covid at a pharmacy, sometimes you have to submit the receipt to your health insurer for reimbursement. But Rite Aid gives me 8 tests per family member per month, and bills my insurance directly. I have paid nothing for over a thousand dollars worth of tests since this federal mandate kicked in. Today the math was similar: 8 tests x 3 people = $240 charged to my insurance directly ($0 out of my pocket).

The pharmacist told me they can bill this directly because the Flow Flex brand they carry is unique in allowing this.

So if you like to be prepared and test yourself with symptoms, or test before family gatherings, especially with higher risk people you want to be careful around - stock up! You have 2 more months.