Federal Covid-19 Test Distribution Program Status And Alternative Access Options

The U.S. government’s free at-home COVID-19 test distribution program, managed by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) in partnership with the U.S. Postal Service, is currently suspended and not accepting new orders. As of March 10, 2025, the COVIDtests.gov website displays a notice indicating that the free at-home COVID-19 test distribution program is not currently accepting orders. This suspension follows the distribution of more than 1.8 billion free COVID tests across the United States since the program’s inception in 2021. The program has undergone multiple cycles of availability, typically reopening in response to seasonal surges or increases in community transmission. The most recent revival occurred in September 2024, when the Biden administration resumed distribution of four free rapid antigen tests per household ahead of the winter respiratory virus season.

The current suspension took effect on March 9, 2025. Orders placed before 8:00 PM EDT on Sunday, March 9, 2025, will still be processed and shipped via the U.S. Postal Service at no cost. However, no new orders are being accepted at this time. The program previously allowed every U.S. household to order four free rapid antigen tests, which were shipped directly to homes or P.O. boxes. These tests were designed to detect all circulating variants and could be used by individuals regardless of symptoms or vaccination status.

The ASPR and the U.S. Postal Service have not indicated whether this latest suspension is temporary or permanent. Historically, the program has been paused and reopened multiple times since its launch. For example, it was suspended in March 2024 before reopening in September 2024. The decision to suspend the program in March 2025 coincides with the five-year anniversary of the coronavirus pandemic declaration. The government has not released information regarding future plans for the program or the status of remaining test supplies in the Strategic National Stockpile.

Prior to the suspension, the program had distributed over 900 million tests directly to U.S. households and an additional 900 million tests to community centers such as libraries, long-term care facilities, and food banks. The tests provided were rapid antigen tests that deliver results in approximately 30 minutes and are capable of detecting currently circulating variants. The program was initially launched in 2021 to increase access to testing and reduce barriers for individuals seeking to monitor their health.

For individuals who previously ordered tests and have not received them, or who experienced issues such as lost or damaged packages, the ASPR recommends contacting the U.S. Postal Service at 1-800-ASK-USPS. All orders placed before the 8:00 PM EDT deadline on March 9, 2025, are expected to be delivered in the coming weeks.

While the federal mail-order program is currently unavailable, several alternative options exist for obtaining free or low-cost COVID-19 tests. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to offer free testing for uninsured adults who have symptoms of or have been exposed to COVID-19 through the Increasing Community Access to Testing, Treatment, and Response (ICATT) program. Approximately 10,000 ICATT sites nationwide provide testing and disease surveillance in non-emergency situations for uninsured individuals. The CDC maintains a testing locator tool to help individuals find participating sites, and it is recommended to call ahead to confirm availability and eligibility.

In addition to ICATT sites, state, county, and city health departments may operate free or low-cost testing locations in community settings such as churches, recreation centers, and schools. Consumers are encouraged to check local health department websites and social media channels for current information on testing availability in their area.

For those interested in purchasing tests, at-home COVID-19 tests are widely available at pharmacies, grocery stores, and other retailers nationwide. Typical out-of-pocket costs range from $12 to $24 for a pack of two rapid tests, though prices may vary by brand and retailer. Some brands may charge more, and PCR tests administered by medical professionals can be significantly more expensive, depending on insurance coverage.

Consumers who already possess a stockpile of at-home tests should verify the expiration dates printed on the packaging. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the expiration dates of many COVID-19 tests. The FDA website maintains a list of extended expiration dates, which can be used to determine whether existing tests are still usable.

Testing remains an important tool for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and determining appropriate treatment options. Early detection through rapid testing can help individuals isolate promptly and seek medical guidance if needed. As the program’s status may change, consumers are advised to monitor official government channels for updates regarding the resumption of free test distribution.

Conclusion

The federal government’s free at-home COVID-19 test distribution program is currently suspended as of March 10, 2025, with no new orders being accepted via COVIDtests.gov. While the program has successfully distributed over 1.8 billion tests to U.S. households and community centers since 2021, its future availability remains uncertain. Consumers who require testing should explore alternative options, including the CDC’s ICATT program for uninsured individuals, local health department testing sites, and retail purchases of at-home tests. Individuals with existing test kits should consult the FDA’s expiration extension list to ensure their tests remain valid. Updates to the program’s status may be found on the ASPR and COVIDtests.gov websites.

Sources

1. Today.com: Free COVID tests 2025
2. USA Today: Free COVID test home
3. CNN: Free COVID tests government USPS