The distribution of free at-home COVID-19 testing kits via the United States Postal Service, a programme that began in early 2022 and was revived several times, has concluded. The federal government programme, managed by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and accessed through the COVIDTests.gov website, is no longer accepting orders. This marks a significant shift in public health strategy, moving from broad, mail-based distribution to more targeted, community-focused, and insurance-based avenues for accessing tests. For consumers in the UK, this information is relevant primarily for those living in or frequently travelling to the United States, as the UK's National Health Service (NHS) operates its own distinct system for COVID-19 testing and treatments. This article details the end of the federal mail programme, outlines the current alternatives for obtaining tests at low or no cost, and provides guidance on identifying legitimate sources versus potential scams.
The federal programme, which distributed over 1.8 billion COVID-19 tests nationwide, allowed any US household to order a set of four rapid antigen tests at no cost, with free shipping. The process was straightforward, requiring only a name and mailing address. The final round of orders was accepted until 8 p.m. ET on March 9, 2025. All orders placed before this deadline were scheduled for shipment. The programme's suspension aligns with a broader shift in public health priorities, as COVID-19 is no longer classified as a top 10 leading cause of death in the United States, with 2024 mortality rates returning to pre-pandemic levels.
The End of a Federal Programme
The federal government's free at-home COVID-19 test distribution programme has been paused multiple times since its inception. The most recent suspension, effective from March 10, 2025, appears to be more permanent. According to the ASPR website, the programme is "not currently accepting orders." This follows reports from February 2025 that the federal government was considering destroying its remaining supply of 160 million COVID tests.
The programme's history is one of intermittent availability. It launched in January 2022 under the Biden administration, with households able to order an initial four tests. Subsequent rounds were added in March 2022 (four more), May 2022 (eight more), December 2022 (four more), and September 2023 (four more). The most recent revival occurred in September 2024, in response to a summer surge driven by the XEC variant and ahead of an expected winter wave.
The mechanism for ordering was simple. Consumers visited COVIDTests.gov, which directed them to a secure USPS portal. The form asked for a name and shipping address, with an optional email field for order confirmation and delivery updates. Tests typically arrived by post within one to two weeks. A toll-free number (1-800-ASK-USPS) was available for those without internet access or who encountered difficulties with the online form.
For consumers who placed orders before the March 9 deadline and have not yet received their kits, the ASPR recommends contacting the USPS directly via the 1-800-ASK-USPS number to check on the status of their shipment.
Current Alternatives for Free or Low-Cost Testing
With the federal mail programme suspended, consumers seeking free COVID-19 tests have several alternative pathways. These options vary in accessibility, eligibility, and cost.
Private Health Insurance Coverage
Under a law announced by President Biden on January 10, 2022, health insurance companies were required to provide their customers with eight free COVID-19 tests per month. The specifics of this coverage, including whether it remains active in 2025, are not detailed in the provided source material. Consumers should contact their insurance provider directly to ascertain current benefits for over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits. It is noted that some insurance providers may still cover the cost of at-home tests.
Community-Based Health Centres
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) funds health centres across the United States where free COVID-19 testing is available. The HRSA provides a locator tool on its website to help individuals find a centre near them. The process involves selecting a preferred language for results and entering a location or postcode. If scheduling a test online is not an option, individuals may need to call the centre directly.
Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT)
The ICATT programme is specifically designed for uninsured patients who have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms. A key feature of ICATT is that it is open to anyone, regardless of insurance status. Uninsured individuals will not be required to pay for a test at an ICATT-eligible site, while insured individuals may be responsible for a fee. The ICATT locator tool operates similarly to the HRSA tool, allowing users to input their address or postcode and adjust a search radius to find nearby locations. Once a site is identified, the consumer must follow that site's specific steps for scheduling an appointment.
Test to Treat Locations
The source material mentions "Test to Treat locations" as one of four main avenues for finding free COVID-19 testing. However, no further details are provided about how this programme operates, its eligibility criteria, or how to access it. Therefore, based solely on the available information, consumers cannot be guided on using this specific resource.
Retail Purchase
For those who do not qualify for free tests through the above programmes, at-home COVID-19 tests are widely available for purchase. They are sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, and other retailers nationwide. According to the ASPR, most rapid at-home test kits cost between £10 and £20 (converted from $12 to $24) for a pack of two tests, though some brands may be more expensive.
Identifying Legitimate Sources and Avoiding Scams
With the shift away from a centralised federal programme, consumers must be vigilant to avoid scams. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides clear guidance on how to order free test kits safely and identify fraudulent activity.
To avoid scammers impersonating the federal government, consumers should: * Start at the official source. Always begin the ordering process at COVIDTests.gov. When you click to order, you will be redirected to the secure USPS portal at special.usps.com/testkits. * Be wary of unsolicited communications. Do not click links in unexpected emails or text messages, no matter how legitimate they appear. The federal government will not call, text, or email you to ask for personal information to "help" you order free test kits. * Guard personal and financial information. The legitimate ordering process requires only a name and shipping address. An optional email is requested for updates. You should never provide your credit card, bank account, or Social Security number. Any request for such information is a scam. * Understand that nothing is guaranteed. No one can promise you special access or extra tests. If they do, they are scammers.
Consumers who spot a scam are encouraged to report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Important Considerations for Test Kits
A practical consideration for anyone with existing test kits is the expiration date. Many test kits have had their expiration dates extended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Before discarding a kit because the printed date has passed, consumers should visit the FDA's website to check if that specific kit's expiration date has been extended.
Furthermore, the rapid antigen tests distributed through the federal programme were capable of detecting all circulating variants of the virus at the time of distribution.
Conclusion
The era of easily ordered, free COVID-19 test kits arriving by post from the US federal government has ended. The programme, which provided over 1.8 billion tests to American households, concluded its final distribution round on March 9, 2025. While the federal mail option is no longer available, pathways to free or low-cost testing persist. Consumers may be able to obtain tests through their private health insurance, at HRSA-funded health centres, or via the ICATT programme, which prioritises uninsured individuals. For others, purchasing tests from retailers remains the primary option. In all cases, consumers are advised to use official locator tools and websites, guard their personal information, and report any suspected scams to the FTC. For UK-based consumers, this information is pertinent only in the context of travel or residence in the United States, as the UK operates a separate public health system for COVID-19 management.