Federal Covid-19 At-Home Test Distribution Program Current Status And Alternative Testing Options

Feb. 3, 2026, 9:32 a.m.

Tags: coronovirus

The U.S. government’s free at-home COVID-19 test distribution program, operated through COVIDtests.gov, is currently not accepting new orders as of March 10, 2025. This suspension marks the latest development in a program that has distributed more than 900 million free tests directly to American households since its launch in late 2021. The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, announced that the program is not currently accepting orders, though all orders placed before 8:00 PM EDT on Sunday, March 9, 2025, will be shipped via the U.S. Postal Service.

The program has experienced periodic closures and reopenings throughout its history, typically tied to respiratory virus seasons and surges in COVID-19 cases. Most recently, the program was revived in September 2024 following a summer surge driven by the XEC variant and ahead of an expected winter COVID wave during cold and flu season. During that round of distribution, each household was eligible to receive four rapid antigen tests capable of detecting all circulating variants.

Program History and Distribution Scale

Since its inception, the free COVID-19 test distribution initiative has operated through multiple rounds, delivering tests directly to U.S. residents via postal mail. The program began in 2021 as a response to ensure broader access to testing supplies. According to data from the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 900 million free tests have been mailed directly to U.S. households through COVIDtests.gov. An additional 900 million tests were distributed to community centers, including libraries, long-term care facilities, food banks, and other community access points.

The program’s structure allowed each residential address to order one package per distribution round, with each package containing four individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests. These tests were designed to detect currently circulating variants and could be used by individuals with or without symptoms, regardless of vaccination status. Orders were processed and shipped free of charge through the U.S. Postal Service, typically within one to two weeks of the order period opening.

Current Status and Suspension Details

As of March 10, 2025, the federal government’s free COVID test distribution program has suspended operations. The ASPR website displays a notice stating that the program is not currently accepting orders. The U.S. Postal Service website for the program similarly directs users back to COVIDtests.gov for information, indicating that ordering through the program has been suspended effective March 9, 2025.

The timing of this suspension coincides with the five-year anniversary of the coronavirus pandemic declaration. While past closures have been temporary, the current suspension’s duration remains unclear. The agency did not indicate whether this represents a permanent or temporary closure. Previous suspensions occurred in March 2024 before the program reopened in September 2024 with renewed eligibility for four free tests per household.

The Trump administration had previously considered shutting down the program in February 2025, with plans to potentially dispose of or destroy 160 million unexpired tests. However, just minutes before the site was scheduled to go dark, HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon issued a statement indicating the program would remain open temporarily and that unexpired stockpiled tests would not be destroyed. The program continued operations until March 9, 2025.

What Happens to Existing Orders and Test Supplies?

All orders placed before the March 9, 8:00 PM EDT deadline will be fulfilled and shipped through the U.S. Postal Service. Individuals who placed orders before the suspension should receive their packages in the coming weeks. If an order is lost, damaged, or otherwise not received, the ASPR recommends contacting USPS directly by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS for assistance.

Regarding the remaining national stockpile of COVID-19 tests, information is limited. David Boucher, Ph.D., director of infectious disease preparedness and response at ASPR, previously stated in August 2024 that the Strategic National Stockpile contained “quite a bit of supply” to support future distribution and that there would be no inventory issues. However, as of the current suspension, it is unclear what remains of this stockpile and what plans exist for unused tests. The Department of Health and Human Services has not publicly responded to inquiries about future plans for the free COVID testing program.

Alternative Sources for Free or Low-Cost COVID-19 Tests

While the federal mail-order program is suspended, several alternative options remain available for obtaining free or low-cost COVID-19 tests.

CDC Testing Programs for Uninsured Individuals

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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 continue to provide testing and disease surveillance in non-emergency situations for uninsured individuals. These sites offer testing services at no cost to eligible participants.

In addition to testing, the CDC Bridge Access program provides no-cost COVID-19 vaccines through more than 19,000 sites nationwide for uninsured individuals.

State and Local Health Department Resources

State, county, and city health departments may operate free or low-cost testing sites in community locations such as churches, recreation centers, and schools. Consumers can check their local health departments’ websites and social media channels, or call directly to inquire about available testing options in their area.

Retail and Pharmacy Purchases

At-home COVID-19 tests are sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, and many other retailers nationwide. According to the ASPR website, most rapid at-home COVID-19 testing kits cost approximately $12 to $24 out-of-pocket for a pack of two tests, though some brands may cost more. Tests generally cost $12 to $35 for a pack of two at pharmacies and retail locations, with prices potentially higher depending on the brand and location.

PCR testing performed by medical professionals can cost significantly more, though costs may be partially or fully covered depending on a patient’s insurance coverage.

Community Distribution Points

During previous rounds of the federal program, millions of tests were distributed to community centers including nursing homes, libraries, local health departments, and food banks. While the current status of these community distribution channels is not specified in the latest information, consumers may contact these local resources to inquire about any remaining supplies or ongoing distribution efforts.

Important Considerations for Test Usage

The rapid antigen tests provided through the federal program were designed to detect all circulating variants and could be used by individuals regardless of symptoms or vaccination status. For tests purchased at retail locations, consumers should verify that the tests are appropriate for current variants and check expiration dates.

Before discarding any unused tests, individuals should check whether their COVID-19 tests’ expiration dates have been extended. Many tests received through earlier rounds of the federal program may have had their shelf lives extended beyond the original printed expiration dates.

Recent Program Activity and Future Outlook

The federal test distribution program has demonstrated a pattern of reopening in response to public health needs. The program was last suspended in March 2024 before reopening in September 2024 with the four free tests per household offer. This pattern suggests that future reopenings are possible depending on epidemiological conditions and funding availability.

The Biden-Harris Administration had characterized the September 2024 reopening as “the latest step by the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure that over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are available to all who want them this fall and winter.” HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell stated that reopening the popular program represented an important step in maintaining test availability.

However, the current suspension’s indefinite status creates uncertainty about when or if the program will resume. The lack of official communication regarding the duration of the suspension or plans for the remaining test stockpile leaves consumers without clear guidance on future availability.

Summary of Current Options

For U.S. consumers seeking COVID-19 tests as of March 2025, the available options include:

ICATT program sites for uninsured individuals with symptoms or exposure
State and local health department testing sites (availability varies by location)
Retail purchases at pharmacies and grocery stores ($12-$35 per two-test pack)
Community health centers and other local resources (contact for availability)
Checking existing test supplies for extended expiration dates

The federal mail-order program through COVIDtests.gov remains suspended, with no announced date for resumption. Consumers who placed orders before March 9, 2025, should receive their tests via USPS, and any issues with delivery should be directed to USPS customer service at 1-800-ASK-USPS.

Conclusion

The suspension of the federal government’s free at-home COVID-19 test distribution program represents a significant change in public health resource availability as the United States marks five years since the pandemic’s onset. While the program has successfully distributed more than 900 million tests directly to households and an additional 900 million through community channels, its current status leaves many consumers seeking alternative testing sources. The program’s history of periodic closures and reopenings suggests that future distribution may resume, but no official timeline has been provided. Individuals requiring COVID-19 tests should utilize the ICATT program if uninsured, check with local health departments for community testing sites, or purchase tests at retail locations, while ensuring any existing test supplies have not expired.