LANSING (WWJ) -- Under a new federal rule, private insurance is required to cover at-home COVID-19 tests, and the State of Michigan created a website that gives Michiganders information on how to take advantage of this new insurance benefit.
The new at-home COVID-19 test insurance coverage website provides insurer contact information, details on making claims and where at-home tests can be obtained without an out-of-pocket cost.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox announced on Thursday the launch of the website.
"Ensuring that every Michigander has access to convenient at-home COVID-19 testing is an important part of our strategy for keeping Michiganders safe," said Whitmer. "Our new website provides Michiganders the information they need to take advantage of this new insurance benefit that could save a family of four up to $384 per month."
"This new insurance benefit will help reduce the expense of getting these convenient, at-home tests, but the specifics of how this coverage is provided varies depending on your insurer," said Fox.
The federal rule requires insurers to cover 8 at-home COVID-19 tests per month for each person covered by a health plan. Under the rule, insurers may establish a network of preferred providers to provide tests with no out-of-pocket cost or they may require the consumer to purchase tests up front and later submit claims for reimbursement. Consumers' costs and reimbursement amounts will vary depending on how their insurer offers this benefit.
Michiganders have plenty of options for accessing COVID-19 testing, such as going to MDHHS supported community popup testing sites, which include testing at welcome centers and airports in addition to 22 neighborhood testing sites across the state.
Michiganders can also locate testing sites near them through an online search tool.
In addition, all Michiganders now have access to free at-home tests that will be sent directly to them in the mail by the federal government.
More information on the federal program, including a form for making test requests, is available at CovidTests.gov.
Consumers who have questions or concerns that cannot be resolved directly with their health insurer can contact DIFS from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442.
