Human Resources

      Options expand for obtaining COVID-19 over-the-counter test kits

      Employees can now use their health plan to cover cost of COVID-19 tests at pharmacies

      As part of ongoing efforts to expand Americans' access to free COVID-19 testing, the Biden administration is requiring insurance companies and group health plans to cover the cost of over the counter (OTC), at-home COVID-19 test kits.

      Individuals with private health coverage are able to obtain OTC COVID-19 at-home test kits for free. Penn State’s CVS Caremark prescription coverage will cover the cost of OTC COVID-19 at-home test kits, for those employees and their families enrolled in a Penn State health plan. 

      There is a limit of up to eight OTC COVID-19 at-home test kits per covered member (meaning each covered family member) per 30 consecutive days. (If the kits contain 2 tests, then no more than 4 kits per 30 consecutive days).

      Penn State Health Plan Enrolled Members Have 3 Options to Purchase At-Home Test Kits

      • Option 1: Purchase OTC COVID-19 at-home test kit AT THE PHARMACY COUNTER of a participating pharmacy, with no up-front out of pocket costs. Members will need to present their CVS Caremark ID card at point of sale to the pharmacy. Please note that participating pharmacies may still be implementing infrastructure needed for this option and may temporarily require members to use Option 2 for reimbursement.

        • CVS Caremark has confirmed that some pharmacies are not currently offering Option 1 due to localized challenges, including capacity constraints and OTC test kit supply limitations. In some cases, pharmacies may be prioritizing dispensing prescription medications and administering vaccines over processing free OTC tests.
      • Option 2: Purchase OTC COVID-19 at-home test kits at a participating pharmacy, however, if purchasing the kits NOT AT THE PHARMACY COUNTER members will be required to pay for the kit and then must submit a claim for reimbursement, via the CVS Caremark reimbursement page. The reimbursement will be the cost of the test itself, which may not include sales tax. 
      • Option 3: Purchase OTC COVID-19 at-home test kits at NON-PARTICIPATING PHARMACIES AND at NON-PHARMACY LOCATIONS, such as Amazon, however, the member will need to pay for the kit at the time of purchase and then must submit a claim for reimbursement. The maximum reimbursement for these tests will be $12.

      Health plan enrolled employees needing further assistance in finding a participating pharmacy, reviewing the CVS Caremark COVID-19 Help Center online, or may have questions regarding a claim reimbursement, should visit CVS Caremark or contact them directly at 844-462-0203 for further assistance.

      Employees may also order free Vault Health at-home test kits.

      All individuals may order free at-home COVID-19 tests through the federal government through its COVIDtests.gov website.

      Penn State employees are reminded of actions to take in the event they are exposed to COVID-19 or suspect they have the virus. Additional guidance is available for employees who have COVID-19 symptoms, test positive for COVID-19, are exposed to COVID-19, or test negative for COVID-19 after exhibiting symptoms. More information is available on the virusinfo website.

      Last Updated January 31, 2022

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