Does BCBS Cover At Home Covid Tests

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) does cover at-home COVID-19 tests, but there are some conditions to be aware of.

BCBS considers at-home COVID-19 tests to be a covered benefit, but you may need to meet certain requirements.

You'll typically need a prescription from a healthcare professional to get reimbursed for an at-home COVID-19 test.

However, some BCBS plans may cover over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID-19 tests without a prescription.

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BCBS covers at-home COVID-19 tests that are available over the counter.

You can purchase these tests at an in-network retail pharmacy, but you must take the testing kit to the pharmacy counter and provide your BCBS member ID card to the pharmacist and/or pharmacy technician.

Some pharmacies may not be able to process claims for OTC COVID-19 tests at the pharmacy counter, so you can pay for the test and then submit a claim for reimbursement.

BCBS will cover up to eight over-the-counter tests for each covered family member, every calendar month.

You can purchase over-the-counter COVID-19 tests that are FDA-authorized, and the cost of a typical single test is $12, while the cost of two tests is around $24.

To be eligible for reimbursement, you must purchase tests that are FDA-approved, which you can find by visiting the BCBS website and searching for Individual EAUs for Antigen Diagnostic Tests for SARS-CoV2 and typing OTC.

Here's a list of steps to follow for reimbursement:

BCBS will mail a check to the Contract Holder for the amount on the submitted claim form after processing the claim.

Direct-shipping of at-home test kits is now available through Thrifty White Pharmacy, where you can order online and have the kits shipped straight to your home.

Note that you must obtain the test at the pharmacy counter for an electronic claim submission, not at the front registers or check-out lane.

Related reading: Who Gets the Insurance Check for My Medical Bills

To purchase and get reimbursed for at-home COVID-19 tests, you'll need to follow a specific process. You can buy the tests at an in-network retail pharmacy, but make sure to take them to the pharmacy counter and show your Service Benefit Plan member ID card to the pharmacist and/or pharmacy technician.

You can also use an online pharmacy like Thrifty White Pharmacy to order and have the tests shipped directly to your home. The process may vary depending on the pharmacy, so it's a good idea to check ahead of time.

If you purchase the tests at the pharmacy counter, the pharmacist will typically submit an electronic claim to your insurance provider. However, if the pharmacy doesn't submit an electronic claim, you can pay for the test and then submit a claim for reimbursement following the steps outlined by your insurance provider.

To get reimbursement, you'll need to submit a claim form, which can usually be found on your insurance provider's website. You'll need to print and mail the form to your insurance provider, along with a copy of your receipt.

Here's a summary of the reimbursement process:

Keep in mind that some pharmacies may not be able to process electronic claims, so be sure to check ahead of time.

You can get up to eight over-the-counter COVID-19 tests reimbursed per family member covered on your policy every calendar month.

To obtain a no-cost test, find an in-network pharmacy at myprime.com/pharmacies and bring the test kit to the pharmacy counter to show your Member ID card.

You must obtain the test at the pharmacy counter for an electronic claim submission, not at the front registers or check-out lane.

Direct-shipping is now available through Thrifty White Pharmacy, which allows you to order at-home test kits online and have them shipped straight to your home.

If you've paid up-front for at-home test kits and the pharmacy doesn't submit an electronic claim, you'll need to follow the steps for paper claim submission.

FEP covers COVID-19 home testing kits available over the counter, but you must go to an in-network retail pharmacy and provide your Service Benefit Plan member ID card to the pharmacist and/or pharmacy technician.

To get reimbursement, you can purchase over-the-counter COVID-19 tests that are FDA-authorized, with a typical single test costing $12 and two tests costing around $24.

You can purchase up to eight over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for each covered family member, every calendar month, and FEP will reimburse you for these tests.

To be eligible for reimbursement, you'll need to follow these guidelines:

You can mail a claim form to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to obtain reimbursement for these at-home rapid diagnostic COVID-19 test kits.