(WWJ) - Governor Gretchen Whitmer urged all Michiganders to take full advantage of free, at-home COVID tests now available through a new federal rule.
The new program from the Biden-Harris administration will require health insurance companies to cover the cost of eight, rapid COVID tests per person, per month.
"We will continue working with our federal partners to ensure that COVID-19 testing is more accessible and less expensive for every Michigander,” said Governor Whitmer on Friday.
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"Thanks to this new rule, a family of four, for example, can get 32 tests every month, saving them at least $384 every month."
As insurance companies in the state adjust to the new policy, the governor's office advised Michiganders to keep boxes and receipts of COVID tests bought on, or after Jan. 15 to receive a reimbursement.
Insurance companies are also working with approved locations to offer coverage for over-the-counter tests.
"If your insurer establishes a network of preferred pharmacies or retailers, you can get over-the-counter COVID-19 tests with no up-front costs at those locations," the governor's office said.
Some tests purchased before Jan. 15 may also be eligible.
"Following the guidance issued Monday by the federal government, insurers have begun developing their plans for offering this new benefit," Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director, Anita Fox said in a press release.
Fox said additional information will be collected over the coming weeks and will be provided through the DIFS website.
State officials also said a federal site to request COVID tests be delivered through the mail is expected to launch later this month.
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, uninsured Americans will still have access to free COVID-tests through select community health centers.
Whitmer believes the new federal program will help curb the current omicron surge that has taken over the state.
"This expanded access to tests will lower costs and help limit the spread of COVID-19."
The governor's office said residents with any questions can contact their insurance providers for guidance.
All other questions can be directed through DIFS at 877-999-6442.
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