Ordering for Free Rapid At-Home COVID-19 Tests Begins January 19th

(KNSI) — As of January 19th, 2022, at home rapid COVID-19 tests will be available for the general public free of charge.

Earlier this month, the federal government announced that the U.S. would purchase one billion rapid at-home tests after people ran into issues finding over-the-counter tests in stores as the omicron variant began to spread. Demand outweighs supply, and between reports of price gouging, and scammers, for the sick or those who must be tested every three days to get their hands on a test has become increasingly difficult.

There are free community testing sites, but people KNSI has spoken with report delays in results anywhere from three to ten days. Getting in for a test has also been difficult. Earlier this month, the Minneapolis Convention Center, the state’s largest community testing site before being moved to U.S. Bank Stadium ahead of preparations for the boat show, was booked solid until February 9th. Locally, the St. Cloud Armory is the closest testing site, and appointments are readily available there. Demand for tests has also increased so much; some providers say they are no longer testing asymptomatic patients.

Up to four rapid at-home tests will be available per address. If an address needs more than four tests, insurance companies will pay for up to eight at-home tests per month per person on the insurance plan.

Tests arrive between seven and 12 days of ordering. All you need is your name and residential address to place an order. No ID, credit card, or health insurance information is required. You may also share your email address to get updates on your order.

The tests are rapid antigen at-home tests, not PCR tests. They work whether or not the patient is asymptomatic, regardless of vaccination status, and results come back within 30 minutes. Order yours by clicking here.

Learn more by clicking here.

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