News

May 10, 2023 – CMS is opting to end coverage of OTC tests along with the end of the PHE, but the need for affordable tests will continue.

May 3, 2023 – CMS is set to end their demonstration program to cover at-home COVID-19, leaving those over 65 at risk.

April 20, 2023 – If Americans start paying out of pocket, they’ll test much less for the disease — if at all, argue representatives of the Testing at Home Coalition.

April 17, 2023 –  An analysis of Medicare claims data by McDermott+Consulting shows that nearly 31.5 million at-home COVID-19 tests were distributed to 3.5 million Medicare beneficiaries from April through September of 2022 at no cost to beneficiaries. During this time, the number of tests distributed and the number of beneficiaries receiving them increased each month as the program became more popular. Pharmacies distributed 95% of tests. 

April 6, 2023 – An alarming 7 out of 10 Americans over the age of 65 expect to stop testing at home for COVID-19 if Medicare no longer covers at-home tests. The Testing at Home Coalition (TAHC) released a new poll today finding that 72% of U.S. adults relied on at-home tests over the past two years.

February 1, 2023 – A new coalition wants US seniors to maintain their access to free Covid-19 tests through Medicare—even after the public health emergency ends in May.

January 31, 2023 – The announcement last night from the Biden Administration that the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) will end on May 11, 2023, brings into sharp focus the need for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to extend the program that covers at-home COVID-19 diagnostic tests for Medicare beneficiaries.

January 19, 2023 – An analysis of Medicare claims data by McDermott+Consulting shows that 10.6 million at-home COVID-19 tests were distributed to 1.4 million Medicare beneficiaries from April through June of 2022. During this time, the number of tests distributed and the number of beneficiaries receiving them increased each month with the largest influx in tests occurring between April and May 2022.

January 2023 – ... An entirely virtual community health intervention that will provide free COVID-19 health services—at-home rapid tests, telehealth sessions and at-home treatments—in selected communities.

November 2022 – With so many potential viruses in play, it would be helpful if Americans had a way to distinguish between different ailments at home.