Website launching for Americans to order COVID-19 at-home tests

SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- Over the holidays, the nation reached the start of a large at-home rapid test shortage, as many Americans had plans to travel amid the COVID-surge.

The Biden Administration now, after facing backlash about the lack of tests, is putting plans in place to make at home tests more easily reachable and affordable for everyone. Private health insurance providers will be required by The Biden Administration to cover up to 8 at-home COVID-19 tests per month for families, according to ABC news.

This policy states that Americans can either purchase the at-home testing kits for free under their insurance provider, or send in their receipts for tests that they purchase out of pocket to get a reimbursement. This applies to only the monthly limit they’re allowed for tests that are purchased on or after January 15.

Health insurers may set up a preferred network if they chose to opt in to that, and if it's an outside network, insurers will have to reimburse up to $12 per test.

If you are someone who does not have health insurance, you’ll be able to receive these at-home tests soon, though a timeline to expect this by has not been released by The Biden Administration yet.

Starting on Wednesday January 19, The Biden administration is launching their website, covidtest.gov, to place orders and begin making 500 million at home COVID-19 tests available via mail.

When you place your order for your tests on Wednesday, however, you shouldn't expect a quick turnaround delivery. With the ultimate goal of shipping all requested tests by the end of this month, the White House says that tests will typically ship within 7 to 12 days of ordering through the U.S Postal Service, which is reporting shipping times of 1 to 3 days for its first-class package service in the United States.

President Biden, also recently announcing that he will purchase even more test kits, an additional 500 million more to be exact, are expected for distribution.

If you are someone who needs a PCR or rapid test, that will continue to be fully covered by insurance, if ordered or administered by a healthcare provider.

The administration is also increasing emergency rapid testing sites in areas who are experiencing the highest surges in COVID-19 cases.