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Over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 test FAQs

We are proud to do our part to protect our members from COVID-19. Beginning January 15, 2022, each of our members* can receive 8 FDA-approved, over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID-19 antigen tests a month at no cost from pharmacies, or online pharmacies. We are creating a process to reimburse our members for any tests they may have purchased on or after January 15 and will update our websites with that information soon.

* Medicare Advantage is not currently included in this program.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a free, at-home, OTC COVID-19 test?
  • Starting January 15, 2022, you can go to a pharmacy or online pharmacy to purchase an at-home OTC COVID-19 antigen test authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used for diagnostic purposes. The cost for eligible tests will be paid by your health plan through reimbursement. We are in the process of setting up a system for the test to be paid by your health plan at the time of purchase. Details of this plan will be updated on this website when it is finalized.
  • If you are charged for your COVID-19 test on January 15 or after, you should save your receipt and submit a claim to us using our COVID-19 OTC Test Reimbursement Request [pdf].
  • You can pick up a free at-home OTC COVID-19 antigen test at many local libraries and community health centers. Go to your Department of Health website for more information.
  • Beginning January 19, 2022, you can order COVID-19 tests directly from the federal government by going to covidtests.gov.
Will I have to pay for my test up front?

We are working on a process to avoid upfront costs and will provide information as soon as the process is finalized.

  • If you are charged for your test after January 15, keep your receipt and submit a claim to us for reimbursement.
  • You can pick up a free at-home OTC COVID-19 antigen test at many local libraries and community health centers. Go to your Department of Health website for more information.
  • We are only covering diagnostic testing. We are not covering testing for employment purposes (including at-home OTC COVID-19 antigen tests).
How much will I be reimbursed for an at-home OTC COVID-19 test?
  • We will reimburse you the cost of the test if the test is an at-home OTC COVID-19 antigen test used for diagnostic purposes.
What if I already bought and paid for at-home OTC COVID-19 tests? Can I still get reimbursement for those?
  • We will provide coverage only for tests bought on January 15 or later, as long as it is an at-home OTC COVID-19 antigen test used for diagnostic purposes.
What if I buy more than one test at a time?
  • You may be reimbursed for 8 tests per month for each person on your health plan, regardless of whether the tests are bought all at once or at separate times throughout the month.
If I pay up-front, how do I get reimbursed?
  • We are creating a process to reimburse our members for any tests they may have purchased on or after January 15 and will update our websites with that information soon. You will not need a prescription or a note from your provider.
How long will it take to receive my reimbursement?
  • We are still creating the reimbursement process but are dedicated to making it easy and efficient.
How many tests can I get reimbursed for?
  • You may receive 8 individual at-home OTC COVID-19 antigen tests to be used for diagnostic purposes per person on your health plan per month. That means a family of four can get 32 tests per month for free.
My employer requires I test myself multiple times per week and send them the results. Can I get these tests reimbursed by insurance?
  • We are only covering diagnostic testing. We are not covering testing for employment purposes (including at-home OTC COVID-19 antigen tests).

COVID-19 Benefit Extension


At the outset of COVID-19, Arkansas Blue Cross and Health Advantage temporarily extended a number of COVID-19 benefits as part of the federal emergency mandate. 

These temporary benefits were extended to April 15, 2022. Learn more about those COVID-19-related benefits and measures.