Costs for at-home COVID-19 tests are now required to be covered by health plans offered by insurance companies, employers and groups under actions taken by the Biden Administration to expand Americans’ access to free COVID-19 testing. It is important for Minnesota consumers to follow guidelines in order to get the costs covered by a health plan. 

“Testing is a vital part of stopping the spread of COVID-19. President Biden’s actions to add private health plan coverage for at-home tests is one more important option to assure Minnesotans have access to COVID-19 tests at no cost to you,” said Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold.

“We encourage you to get tested for COVID-19 if you are exposed to or feel symptoms of COVID-19, whether it’s at home or at a testing site,” said Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcom. “Testing is one of the critical strategies to slow the spread and prevent further hospitalizations and deaths from this virus.”

What is covered

Coverage is for over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic tests authorized, cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Up to $12 (or actual cost if less than $12) per individual test, and up to 8 tests per person per month, is covered.

This additional cost coverage applies to private insurers or group health plans (such as self-insured employers). It also includes MNsure private health plans for individuals.

Different guidelines apply to Medicare and Medicaid public health plans.  

Options that continue to be free of charge for Minnesota consumers for COVID-19 tests include: 

• Tests at state-operated testing sites, which you can obtain without scheduling in advance

• Tests you can schedule with your clinic

• Tests you can schedule with your pharmacist

• Find a vaccine site and more info at mn.gov/covid19.