Tag Archive for: COVID-19 Testing

How to Order 4 Free COVID-19 Tests

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From ALLtech medical provider Regence BlueShield

The White House announced plans on Dec. 15, 2022, to provide four more at-home COVID tests in preparation for a winter season that may see a surge in cases. The free tests can be ordered at COVIDtests.gov and will begin shipping the week of Dec. 19 through the U.S. Postal Service.

COVID-19, flu and RSV continue to circulate through our communities and emergency rooms (ER) have been hit hard, with many running out of space this winter season. Alternative care options to the ER have found to be faster, more convenient and less expensive, so it’s important to know your care options.

ALLtech members enrolled in medical coverage through Regence BlueShield can visit regence.com for more information about diagnostic over-the-counter COVID-19 test coverage, including an FAQ, plus other important health plan information. Regence members can also call us using the phone number on the back of their member ID card.

Remember to get your COVID-19 vaccine and booster

Vaccines, booster shots, masks and other precautions remain critical to the ongoing fight against COVID-19. Information about COVID-19 vaccines, including booster shots, is available via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Visit the Washington State Department of Health or the CDC’s Vaccine Finder site to find out where all eligible people can get a COVID-19 vaccine.

ALLtech Among Health Plans to Cover At-Home COVID-19 Tests

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From ALLtech medical provider Regence BlueShield

Starting January 15, 2022, ALLtech is joining health plans across the nation that will cover the cost of up to eight home COVID-19 tests per month for members enrolled in its medical plan.

Access to COVID-19 testing is a critical component of public health and safety, enabling you to navigate the pandemic. Federal guidelines released this week call for private health insurers to cover the cost of FDA authorized at-home tests without cost sharing during the public health emergency and without need for a provider’s order.

If health plans provide direct coverage of tests through their pharmacy network and a direct-to-consumer program, plan reimbursements for tests bought from nonpreferred pharmacies and retailers would be capped at the actual price or $12, whichever is lower. Note that some OTC tests are packaged with two tests, meaning reimbursement would be $12 for each test, or $24.

The policy requires coverage for diagnostic reasons only, meaning you have symptoms or were in close contact with an infected person. Plans are not required to provide coverage of testing (including an at-home OTC COVID-19 test) for purposes including, but not limited to the following:

  • Employment purposes, including staffing decisions
  • Surveillance
  • Community tracking
  • Extracurricular activities (e.g. travel, sports, school, camp, recreational, social requirement)

The coverage begins Jan. 15 and is not retroactive, meaning you will not be reimbursed for tests bought before Jan. 15.

To stay updated on this timely topic, check back frequently on the Regence COVID-19 Resources* page.

*ALLtech members in Asotin, Adams, Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens and Whitman counties should refer to the Asuris COVID-19 Resources page.