Federal Covid-19 Test Program Ends What Consumers Need To Know About Free Testing Options

The United States government has officially discontinued its free at-home COVID-19 test distribution program. This initiative, which began in 2021, provided over 900 million tests directly to U.S. households through the COVIDtests.gov website. As of Monday, March 10, 2025, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) suspended the program, and the ordering portal is no longer accepting requests. While the federal mail-order option has ended, other avenues for obtaining free or low-cost COVID-19 tests remain available for uninsured individuals and those with insurance coverage.

The program's suspension coincides with the five-year anniversary of the coronavirus pandemic. Since its launch in late 2021, the initiative has distributed more than 1.8 billion tests nationwide. This total includes over 900 million tests mailed directly to households and another 900 million distributed through community centers such as libraries, long-term care facilities, and food banks. The program was previously revived in September 2024 following a summer surge driven by the XEC variant, but current supplies have been halted.

Program Status and Recent Changes

The federal government's free test distribution was a periodic initiative that opened and closed its ordering portal based on supply levels and public health needs. The most recent operational period allowed households to order four free rapid antigen tests, which were designed to detect all circulating variants. Orders were shipped free of charge via the U.S. Postal Service.

According to the ASPR website, the program is "not currently accepting orders." Orders placed before 8:00 PM EDT on Sunday, March 9, 2025, are being fulfilled and will be shipped. However, the COVIDtests.gov URL now redirects to an error page, confirming the program's termination. The Trump administration reportedly decided to end funding for the program, despite earlier indications that it would continue. This decision leaves a national stockpile of approximately 160 million unexpired tests, valued at over half a billion dollars, that may require disposal.

How to Access Free COVID-19 Tests Now

Although the federal mail-order program has ended, free testing options persist, primarily through insurance coverage and public health programs for the uninsured.

Testing for Uninsured Individuals

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. This is managed through the Increasing Community Access to Testing, Treatment and Response (ICATT) program. The ICATT program operates over 19,000 sites nationwide, providing no-cost COVID-19 testing to eligible individuals. Additionally, free COVID-19 testing sites can be located using the COVID-19 Testing Locator website.

Testing with Insurance Coverage

Many private insurance plans still cover the cost of at-home COVID-19 tests. Consumers with insurance can check their eligibility and order insurance-covered tests through major pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS. The specific coverage details depend on the individual insurance plan.

Retail Purchase Options

For those who do not qualify for free programs or prefer immediate access, at-home COVID-19 tests are sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, and other retailers. Rapid at-home testing kits typically cost between $12 and $24 out-of-pocket for a pack of two tests. However, prices can vary, with some brands costing more. PCR tests administered by a medical professional can cost significantly more, depending on insurance coverage. Currently, antigen tests generally range from $12 to $35 for a pack of two at retail locations.

Important Considerations for Consumers

Consumers should be aware of the shelf life of their existing test kits. Health officials have previously noted that many COVID-19 tests have received extended expiration dates. Before discarding unused tests, individuals should check the manufacturer's website or the FDA's website to verify if the expiration date has been extended.

If consumers encounter issues with orders placed before the March 9, 2025, deadline—such as lost or damaged packages—the ASPR recommends contacting the U.S. Postal Service directly at 1-800-ASK-USPS.

Conclusion

The federal government's free at-home COVID-19 test mail-order program has officially ended as of March 2025. While this specific channel for free tests is no longer available, the public health infrastructure supports continued access to testing through the CDC's ICATT program for the uninsured and through insurance coverage for those who are insured. For others, retail options remain available at standard market prices. Consumers are advised to verify the expiration dates of any existing tests they possess and to utilize the CDC's testing locator for free community testing sites.

Sources

1. TODAY.com: Free COVID Tests 2025
2. HIV.gov Blog: Free COVID-19 Tests Available
3. USA Today: Free COVID-19 Tests How to Get
4. The Commercial Appeal: Free COVID Tests Near You