Federal Government Releases Updated Guidance on COVID-19 Testing Coverage

January 12, 2022

Applies to Group and Retail

On Jan. 10, the federal government released guidance about coverage of over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic tests. 

What this means: We are evaluating the guidance to determine how it affects our current COVID-19 testing coverage. However, our early understanding is that the guidance:

• Requires plans to provide coverage for over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests purchased on or after Jan. 15, 2022, within certain parameters allowed by the federal government 
• Applies to fully insured and self-insured groups, and individual and family plans
• Allows coverage of eight tests per month per covered member
• Is effective through the end of the public health emergency 

Note: We'll publish an update in the News from the Blues newsletter with details about how members can submit OTC testing claims.

We will be updating our COVID-19 member microsite with details about how members can submit claims.