We wont post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity. The latest round of shipments also includes four COVID tests. Those who test positive using an at-home test are asked to follow the latest CDC guidelines and communicate the results to their healthcare provider, who is responsible for reporting test results to the state health department. You can then track your order with your tracking number. "In the absence of Congress providing additional funding for the nation's COVID-19 response, the administration has acted with its limited existing funding to add more at-home COVID-19 tests to the nation's stockpile and support this round of ordering ahead of continued increases in COVID-19 cases," the White House said in a statement. You only need to give a name and address. In 2022, the US Postal Service delivered millions of free COVID-19 tests -- up to 16 tests per household -- but the program was halted in September last year due to lack of funding. The first shipments were expected to go out to Americans by the end of the month. 0:58. Stamps USPS will ship the kits through a partnership with the White House, which has set up COVIDTests.gov, a website . The website to order the free tests for your household launched last week, with some beginning to arrive earlier this week. Tests will be mailed through the U.S. The program to mail free COVID-19 tests to Americans might end soon because of lack of funding. The ideal temperature to store rapid antigen COVID-19 test kits is between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. How does the free COVID-19 test program from USPS work? In one version of the scam, you get a call and a recorded message that says its Amazon. Free tests can be ordered at covidtests.gov or at usps.com/covidtest. Postal Service starting late January. The program to mail free COVID-19 tests to Americans might end soon because of lack of funding. Or, file a complaint with your state or territory attorney general at consumerresources.org, the consumer website of the National Association of Attorneys General. The site added four more free tests in March, and then another eight more in May. If theres one constant among scammers, its that theyre always coming up with new schemes, like the Google Voice verification scam. But a test may be damaged by being left outdoors in freezing temperatures or being used immediately after being brought inside from freezing temperatures. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently experiencing high order volumes and increased customer service inquiries. All orders will be shipped via First Class Package Service. In January 2022, President Joe Biden announced the . They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission. Importantly, given the shipping and process times, Americans will need to request the tests well before they meet federal guidelines for requiring a test. Your sales receipt if you bought insurance at the Post Office, Your email confirmation if you shipped from USPS.com, The shipping confirmation email you received from an online retailer, The bottom peel-off portion of your USPS Tracking, Already left the Post Office for delivery. While they are packaged differently and may use slightly different procedures, officials said, the test mechanisms of detection and effectiveness are generally the same. Katie is a writer covering all things how-to at CNET, with a focus on Social Security and notable events. In January 2022, President Joe Biden announced the launch ofCovidTests.gov, a website that let households order four free rapid antigen COVID-19 tests shipped by USPS. 4. Some people are reporting a USPS email scam concerning at-home COVID tests. Enter your contact details and shipping information. All rights reserved. 2. In January 2022, President Joe Biden announced the launch ofCovidTests.gov, a website that let households order four free rapid antigen COVID-19 tests shipped by USPS. 2. If you would like to place an order for the following items, please see below. Copyright 2023 United States Postal Service. 9208 8000 0000 0000 0000 00, Signature Confirmation For more on COVID-19, learn why the expiration date on your test kit might . If you follow a link from a news story, double-check the URL that shows in your browser's address bar. FREE BOXES USPS Tracking Tracking FAQs Track Packages Anytime, Anywhere Get the free Informed Delivery feature to receive automated notifications on your packages Learn More Track What does my tracking number look like? Critically, the requirement only covers purchases on or after Jan. 15. Its official: Get free COVID test kits at COVIDtests.gov. Demand for test kits soared as the holidays neared and people grew eager to test themselves and their families before traveling and as the omicron variant spread rapidly in just a few weeks to become the dominant strain in the U.S. Biden's promise of 1 billion test kits is in addition to the administration's earlier pledge to send 50 million rapid tests to community health centers across the country. If we rely solely on the internet, were going to see those in rural areas, and those on reservations, not being able to get the same access to information, she said. Katie is a writer covering all things how-to at CNET, with a focus on Social Security and notable events. You cansearch for a local health center or clinic with free COVID-19 tests near youusing a tool on the HHS website. But you know, if you want to test at two days, but that negative test the two days should not make you think, 'Oh good, I'm clear,' you know? RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Finding an at-home COVID-19 test in stores is still hit-or-miss. 9400 1000 0000 0000 0000 00, Priority Mail Jan. 21, 2022 at 9:25 a.m. 18 years of editorial experience with a current focus on personal finance, end to the three-year-long public health emergency, expiration date on your test kit might be wrong, According to the Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced, also eligible to receive eight free tests a month, search for a local health center or clinic with free COVID-19 tests near you, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. A new federal website to request free test kits officially launches Wednesday but was available to use Tuesday with the first shipments going out to U.S. households by the end of the month. COVID-19 case numbers have dropped significantly since January. For more on COVID-19, learn why the expiration date on your test kit might be wrong. Get free COVID-19 test kits through health insurance, Medicare or local health clinics. The ideal temperature to store rapid antigen COVID-19 test kits is between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause. Looking for alternatives for your holiday shopping? "The United States Postal Service is proud to fulfill its mission of service to the nation by delivering COVID test kits as part of this important public health initiative of the Biden. Can't find what you're looking for? Postal Service - usps.com/testkits - where you can order four rapid tests for your home address. In addition, most Americans are now able to get reimbursed for tests that they purchase. Treat a positive as a positive, stay home and isolate for five days. The government's website offering free COVID tests is up and running, officially launching Wednesday, though thousands of Americans got an early chance to order free COVID-19 testing kits . Each U.S. household is entitled to four free test kits, which will usually be shipped in 7 to 12 days, the federal site says. The .gov means its official. The United States Postal Service released an update this week regarding free COVID tests as deliveries continued to arrive at homes nationwide. Or order your kits by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). It represents an acknowledgement by the president that the administration needs to do more to increase access to COVID-19 testing, which is an important tool to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. The White House says that to promote broad access, shipments from covidtests.gov will initially be limited to four rapid tests per residential address, no matter the number of occupants. Along with the four free tests from the Postal Service, you have a few options for finding similar at-home tests for free. According to the site, people will not be able to choose which brand of at-home tests they receive, but "all tests distributed as part of this program are FDA-authorized at-home rapid antigen tests.". In January, some tests didn't ship within the seven- to 12-day window that had been promised because the administration was waiting for manufacturers to make more tests. Insurers are not expected to retroactively reimburse the cost of tests purchased earlier. Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories? The White House emphasized that the website was in beta testing when it made tests available for ordering for the first time on Tuesday. You won't be asked to provide any credit or debit card details, as both the tests and the shipping are free. Youve probably heard: this holiday season, it might be harder to find the gifts youre looking for. Get the free Informed Delivery feature to track all your incoming packages automatically with email alerts. You can also get there via covidtests.gov. Note to Reporters: B-roll and images of the USPS's work to package and ship COVID-19 test kits are available here. He has been covering technology, software, finance, sports and video games since working for @Home Network and Excite in the 1990s. Tests are typically sent out within seven to 12 days of an order being successfully placed and are delivered by the USPS within one to three days of shipping. Here's a breakdown of what to know about the tests and how to place your order: The new federal website, covidtests.gov, to request free test kits launched last week, one day earlier than expected. How does the free COVID-19 test program from USPS work? Those with public health insurance through Medicare, or without insurance, will be directed to covidtests.gov to order tests or to community health centers in their area offering free testing. The federal government's website to order free coronavirus test kits is active and accepting orders a day ahead of schedule. We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. As a result, you may experience delays in our normal response time for order processing and shipping. It takes less than two minutes to complete a short form asking for your name and mailing address, and the tests ship in about a week or two. We don't want people going into the emergency department just to get a tested. For more on COVID-19, learn why the expiration date on your test kit might be wrong. People have the option of buying tests at a store or online, then seeking reimbursement from their health insurance provider. According to the Food and Drug Administration, manufacturers have ensured that the tests remain stable at various temperatures, "including shipping during the summer in very hot regions and in the winter in very cold regions.".