How To Access Free At-Home Covid-19 Tests And Understand The Current Offer Landscape

Free at-home testing for COVID-19 in the United States has been a dynamic offering over the course of the pandemic and has seen multiple reopening and suspension cycles. As of the latest information, the availability of these tests has changed again, and understanding the rules surrounding who can get them, when, and how is essential for those seeking no-cost tests for personal, family, or preventive use.

This article provides a detailed, fact-based overview of the current status of the government-sponsored free at-home COVID-19 test program, the process for ordering, relevant eligibility, and how consumers can distinguish between legitimate offers and potential scams. The information is drawn strictly from verified and publicly available documentation and must be evaluated in terms of the current status as of late 2025.

Overview of the Federal Free At-Home Test Program

The federal government’s initiative to provide free at-home rapid antigen tests has offered American households a valuable tool in managing the spread and impact of the virus. During active periods, eligible individuals were able to request up to four tests per household through the official website, COVIDTests.gov. Orders placed through this site were free of charge, and the tests were shipped directly to household addresses—including P.O. boxes—without any cost or financial information required.

When the program was active, each test kit was a complete four-pack of rapid antigen tests. These tests were designed to detect the most prevalent virus strains, including those circulating at the time of shipment. Updated expiration dates were also communicated with consumers through the CDC and FDA web portals, emphasizing the importance of checking these dates before discarding unused tests.

Status of the Program in 2025

As of early 2025, the availability of the free test kits has experienced a temporary pause. Multiple sources confirm that the Biden administration ended the program on March 9, 2025, and ceased processing new orders at the ASPR ("Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response") site. According to information published on March 10, 2025, no further orders were accepted at that point.

However, those who had already placed orders by the cutoff of 8:00 PM EDT on March 9, 2025, were still eligible to receive their tests through the U.S. Postal Service. This means that some households may receive their deliveries in the weeks following the program’s suspension.

The program officially began in 2021 and played a role in providing over 1.8 billion tests to the public through both home delivery and community distribution points such as libraries and food banks.

The administration resumed the home-delivered test program for a second time in September 2024, following reports indicating a summer surge in cases. This reopening was intended to prepare for an anticipated increase in virus activity during the cold and flu season and was supported by a sufficient stockpile as confirmed by ASPR officials, who stated that the Strategic National Stockpile had adequate supplies to sustain the program.

How the Free Program Worked While Active

When the program was active and taking orders, the process for receiving the tests was straightforward and minimal in required information:

  • A valid shipping address was necessary.
  • No personal identification, insurance information, or payment details were required.
  • Orders were limited to one per household or residential address.
  • The tests were delivered free of charge by the U.S. Postal Service, with the option to provide an email for updates on shipment status.

Participants were encouraged not to discard any expired test kits immediately, as updated expiration dates have been issued to some kits. Consumers were advised to visit the FDA’s website to verify whether their stored kits remained valid for use beyond the date printed on original packaging.

Alternatives to the Federal Program

With the federal program currently suspended, consumers looking for at-home COVID-19 tests may need to seek options through other channels. According to documents from the FTC and recent news reports, the following are viable alternatives:

Community Distribution Centers

During the active periods of the federal program, an additional 900 million tests were distributed to community centers. This model may continue even in the absence of a national home-delivery initiative if local health departments or organizations choose to expand their offerings.

Insurance Coverage

Some insurance providers may still be covering the cost of home testing for enrolled members, especially under Medicare or Medicaid. The administration also indicated that Paxlovid, a prescription antiviral medication used to treat high-risk infections, remains available for free for those on Medicare, as well as for eligible Medicaid and uninsured individuals.

Retail and Pharmacy Sales

Home tests are now readily available for purchase in retail chains, pharmacies, and online marketplaces. While these options incur a cost, they offer ongoing availability and may provide faster access when compared to previous government channels.

The FTC advises consumers to remain alert for scams, especially as the program has changed. Fraudulent websites or third-party vendors pretending to offer legitimate tests often ask for more information than necessary—such as bank details or credit card numbers—which are never required for the federal free testing program.

The official federal test request process involved only two steps:

  1. Visit CovidTests.gov
  2. Complete the order and wait for shipment

Consumers are urged to verify any site offering free tests not through this process as potentially fraudulent. Signs to look for when identifying a scam include:

  • Requesting payment for test delivery
  • Asking for confidential personal or financial data
  • Promising more than four tests per household
  • Direct links from unsolicited emails or messages

If someone believes they have encountered a scam related to the free testing program, they are advised to report it to the FTC through ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Future Outlook and Considerations

As of the latest reports from 2025, there is no confirmation that the federal government will resume shipping free at-home tests beyond the orders placed before March 9. However, given the changing nature of infectious disease management and the cyclical nature of respiratory illnesses, the possibility of a future relaunch during high-risk periods remains a topic of public and official discussion.

The CDC noted in their most recent updates that the death rate from COVID-19 has returned to levels seen before the pandemic, but hospitalization numbers in certain regions have seen recent spikes, as seen in states like Ohio. These fluctuations in case numbers may influence future decisions to expand testing accessibility.

Conclusion

The free at-home rapid antigen test program has played a critical role in the management of widespread testing and prevention during the pandemic. While currently not accepting new orders, the program has successfully demonstrated the value and feasibility of direct-to-home delivery of essential health resources. Consumers who received tests through the March 2025 cutoff will continue to have access, and those needing tests for health and safety reasons may explore community resources or insurance coverage.

It is vital for individuals to remain informed about which programs are active and to take precautions when verifying the legitimacy of offers, particularly those appearing on third-party or unverified websites. Understanding the limits of eligibility, order processes, and shipping expectations can help avoid confusion and unnecessary financial responsibility.

Consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant and to utilize only verified resources when accessing health-related products or services, especially when these products are offered at no cost.

Sources

  1. Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
  2. Today.com Coronavirus Coverage
  3. HIV.gov - Free At-Home Tests Available
  4. FTC Alert on Free Tests
  5. AP News - Free Tests Available
  6. The Cincinnati Enquirer - Free Tests