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Home testing for both COVID-19 and flu will now be available nationwide in a single test through the Home Test to Treat program.
Home testing for both COVID-19 and flu will now be available nationwide in a single test through the Home Test to Treat program.
Editor's note: The Home Test to Treat program concludes for all participants on April 16, 2024.
What you need to know
The federal government has expanded the Home Test to Treat program to eligible people nationwide. The telehealth company eMed is contracted to operate the program, which provides at-home rapid COVID-19 and flu testing to eligible people who have not yet tested positive for COVID-19 or flu. The program also provides telehealth sessions and access to at-home treatments if medically indicated for people who have tested positive.
Home Test to Treat is part of the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx®) Tech program to speed development and use of COVID-19 testing technologies. RADx® Tech is supported by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB). Before the expansion, Home Test to Treat had been offered as a pilot program in select locations.
How does the program work?
People age 18 and older who are uninsured, are on Medicare or Medicaid, or receive health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system or the Indian Health Service can register at the Home Test to Treat website to obtain free home tests. The tests will be shipped directly to users and allow them to screen for COVID-19 and flu at the same time. If someone tests positive later, free telehealth services and access to free at-home treatments are available if prescribed.
Anyone who has a current positive test for COVID-19 or flu can register at the Home Test to Treat website to receive free telehealth care and at-home treatment if prescribed. Prescribed medications can be delivered directly to your home or picked up at a local pharmacy (where patients with insurance may have to pay a fee).
Why is this important?
This expansion is the first public health program to use widespread home testing and treatment for both COVID-19 and flu. The added convenience of virtual services and home delivery will help enable continuous care from diagnosis to treatment without having to leave one’s home.
Where can I go to learn more?
- Individuals may register at this site, which also provides more information about the program and eligibility.
Home Test to Treat program extends nationwide
- NIBIB’s press release shares more information about the expansion of the Home Test to Treat program.
The Importance of Reporting Your At-Home COVID-19 and Flu Test Results
- NIH has developed a website that allows people to easily and securely report their at-home COVID-19 and flu test results.
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