Free Covid-19 Resources Healthcare Discounts And Training Programs Available To Us Medical Professionals

The landscape of free COVID-19 testing for the general public has shifted significantly, with the federal government's mail-order program currently suspended. However, specific resources remain available for healthcare facilities, and a variety of free offers, discounts, and training programs continue to support medical professionals. Information regarding the federal testing program indicates that while the general household ordering system is inactive, free over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits are still accessible to skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities through a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) distribution initiative. Additionally, numerous brands and organizations offer apparel, footwear, mental health support, and educational certifications to healthcare workers and first responders at no cost.

Federal COVID-19 Testing Program Status

For U.S. households, the ability to order free at-home COVID-19 tests via COVIDtests.gov is no longer active. The program, which previously allowed every household to order up to four rapid antigen tests shipped free via the U.S. Postal Service, was suspended in March 2025. This suspension coincided with the five-year anniversary of the pandemic. The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) confirmed that orders placed before 8:00 PM EDT on March 9, 2025, were processed and shipped. The program had distributed over 1.8 billion tests since its inception in 2021.

Despite the suspension of the mail-order program for consumers, free tests remain available for specific healthcare settings. Skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities with an active Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waiver are eligible to receive free monthly shipments of over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits. This HHS program is anticipated to continue through the fall of 2025. Facilities can initiate or stop shipments by emailing [email protected] with their facility name, address, CLIA waiver number, and request type. These tests are intended for distribution to visitors, staff, or residents for personal use. Current FDA expiration dates for these tests can be verified on the FDA website.

For individuals seeking testing outside of federal programs, options are limited to paid retail locations or community resources. At-home testing kits typically cost between $12 and $24 for a pack of two tests at pharmacies and grocery stores. Some insurance providers may still cover the cost of these tests. Additionally, free tests may be available through local health departments, public libraries, and other community partners, though availability varies by location.

Free Training and Certification for Healthcare Professionals

Several organizations have developed free training resources to support healthcare workers during the pandemic. These programs focus on infection prevention, patient care, and mental well-being.

• IntelyCare: This workforce management solution for post-acute facilities launched a free COVID-19 training certification program.
• American Nurses Association (ANA): The ANA offers a free training course titled "Be Confident Protecting Yourself and Providing the Best Care to Your Patients during this COVID-19 Pandemic."
• American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN): The AACN provides "Pulmonary, ARDS, and Ventilator Resources," a free online course available 24/7 that features the latest information needed to care for COVID-19 patients.
• Osmosis: Osmosis offers a free COVID-19 course for health professionals, which is eligible for 2 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits. They also provide free clinical skill videos on topics such as imaging features and body temperature assessment, along with free events like meditation and yoga sessions and Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions with their Chief Medical Officer.

Apparel, Footwear, and Product Offers for Healthcare Workers and First Responders

Various brands have provided free products, discounts, and special offers to healthcare workers and first responders.

• Crocs: Crocs donated free pairs of shoes, including free shipping, to healthcare workers on the frontlines of COVID-19.
• Barco Uniforms: Barco Uniforms donated scrubs to medical professionals throughout the duration of the COVID-19 crisis.
• Clove: Clove included free compression socks with every purchase of their shoes. Customers could add socks to their cart and use the code "WITHLOVE" to apply the discount.
• Ably Apparel: First responders could tag themselves on Ably's Instagram page starting April 8th to receive a free item from the website.
• Kerusso: This brand offered a 10% discount on all store items to first responders as a token of gratitude.
• Tieks by Gavrieli: Tieks launched the #SewTOGETHER Challenge, offering a $50 Tieks gift card for sewing 25 masks and a $100 gift card for 50 or more masks.

Mental Health and Emotional Support Services

Access to mental health support has been a priority for healthcare workers. Several telehealth and support services are available at no cost.

• Talkspace: Medical professionals receive one free month of Talkspace's Unlimited Messaging Plus plan, which includes online therapy via text, audio, and video calls with a licensed therapist.
• Neurocore Brain Performance: Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Neurocore offered free telehealth counseling to all first responders and medical professionals in the U.S. through May 1, 2020.
• Warrior Teletherapy Network: This network provided free teletherapy to healthcare workers in the Kansas City metro area.
• DiveThru App: DiveThru is a guided journaling app designed to assist with mental well-being, created in collaboration with mental health professionals.
• Support Groups for Nurses: Confidential, no-cost emotional support groups were established for nurses on the frontlines. These groups, led by trained facilitators, allow nurses to connect, share experiences, and learn mindfulness and emotional skills.

Conclusion

While the federal government's free COVID-19 test distribution program for the general public is currently suspended, targeted resources persist. Skilled nursing and assisted living facilities can still access free test kits through the HHS TDX program. Medical professionals have access to a robust selection of free training certifications, mental health support services, and product offers from various brands. Consumers seeking COVID-19 tests must now rely on retail purchases or potentially free options through local health departments and community partners, while verifying insurance coverage for reimbursement.

Sources

1. Nurse.org: Offers, Freebies, and Discounts for Healthcare Workers
2. AHCA/NCAL: Still Available: Free COVID-19 Tests from HHS
3. USA Today: Does federal government still have free COVID-19 tests?
4. Today.com: Americans can no longer order free at-home COVID-19 tests from the government