The United States federal government has periodically distributed free at-home COVID-19 testing kits to households nationwide through a dedicated programme. This initiative, managed by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and shipped via the United States Postal Service (USPS), has been a key component of the public health response since its inception in 2021. The programme has seen multiple rounds of distribution, with the most recent phase launched in September 2024. However, the status of the programme is dynamic, and availability can change based on government decisions and supply levels. This article outlines the details of the programme as reported in the provided sources, including eligibility, ordering procedures, and alternative access methods.
The free testing programme was first established in 2021 to provide equitable access to COVID-19 diagnostics. According to the sources, the programme has distributed over 900 million tests directly to US households and an additional 900 million tests to community centres such as libraries, long-term care facilities, and food banks. This extensive distribution network was designed to reach a broad cross-section of the population, including marginalised communities. The programme is typically revived in response to seasonal surges or changes in the virus's circulation. For instance, the Biden administration reactivated the programme in September 2024 ahead of the expected winter COVID wave, coinciding with the cold and flu season. The tests provided are rapid antigen tests capable of detecting all circulating variants, with results typically available in 30 minutes or less. They are suitable for use by both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, and can be administered whether or not a person is experiencing symptoms.
Eligibility and Programme Structure
The eligibility criteria for the federal free testing programme are straightforward. Each household is entitled to order a specific allocation of test kits per distribution round. In the most recent round announced in September 2024, every US household was eligible to request four free at-home COVID-19 test kits. This allocation is standard for each round of the programme. The programme is designed for broad accessibility, with no requirement for proof of insurance, citizenship, or income. The primary restriction is the per-household limit to ensure the supply reaches as many households as possible.
The distribution is managed through the official government portal, COVIDtests.gov. This website serves as the sole online platform for ordering the free kits. When the programme is active, individuals can visit the site, provide their name and postal address (including a P.O. box if preferred), and submit their request. Emails are optional and are used solely to provide shipping notifications. The tests are then shipped free of charge directly to the provided address. The US Postal Service handles all logistics, and there is no cost to the recipient for either the tests themselves or the postage. The programme is intended to be temporary, with orders accepted for a limited period. For the September 2024 round, orders were accepted starting from September 26, 2024, with shipping expected to begin the following week. The government has not specified a universal end date for the programme, but availability is contingent on supply.
Current Status and Programme Suspension
The status of the free testing programme is not permanent and can be suspended. As of March 10, 2025, the federal government's free COVID test distribution programme was not accepting new orders, according to the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response's website. This suspension followed the five-year anniversary of the coronavirus pandemic. The programme had previously been active, with orders accepted until 8:00 PM EDT on Sunday, March 9, 2025. All orders placed before this deadline were scheduled for shipment.
The suspension raises questions about the future of the programme and the fate of any remaining national stockpile. The sources indicate that the national stockpile was large enough to sustain the programme at one point, with David Boucher, Ph.D., director of infectious disease preparedness and response at ASPR, stating that there were "quite a bit of supply in the Strategic National Stockpile available to support" the distribution. However, it remains unclear what portion of the stockpile remains unused and what the long-term plans are for the free testing initiative. The Department of Health and Human Services did not provide a response regarding future plans at the time the sources were compiled.
For individuals who have previously ordered tests, it is important to verify their usability. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the expiration dates for many COVID-19 tests. Individuals with an existing stockpile can check the FDA's website for a list of extended expiration dates to determine if their tests are still effective.
How to Order Free Tests When the Programme is Active
When the programme is operational, the process for obtaining free tests is simple and designed for ease of use. The steps are as follows:
- Visit the Official Portal: Navigate to COVIDtests.gov. This is the only official website for the programme; using third-party sites may lead to scams or unnecessary costs.
- Complete the Request Form: Provide the required information, which typically includes your name and shipping address. An email address can be provided optionally to receive tracking information.
- Submit Your Order: Once the form is complete, submit your request. There is no payment or financial information required.
- Await Shipment: The US Postal Service will ship the package containing the four rapid antigen tests to your address. Shipping is free, and the tests typically arrive within one to two weeks of the order being placed.
It is crucial to order only through the official government channel to avoid fraudulent websites that may charge fees or misuse personal information. The programme is intended to be free from start to finish.
What to Do If You Encounter Issues
If an individual encounters problems with their order, the ASPR provides specific guidance. For issues such as lost or damaged packages, or problems with an order already placed, the recommendation is to contact the USPS directly. The USPS can be reached by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS. This direct line is the appropriate channel for resolving shipping-related issues with test kits ordered through the government programme.
Alternative Sources for Free or Low-Cost COVID-19 Tests
Even when the federal mail-order programme is suspended, there are other avenues for obtaining free or low-cost COVID-19 tests. These alternatives are particularly important for uninsured individuals, those with symptoms, or anyone who has been exposed to the virus.
- Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) Locations: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains a network of ICATT locations. These sites provide free testing to uninsured individuals who are symptomatic or have been exposed to COVID-19. To find a nearby location, one can search the CDC's testing locator. It is advisable to call ahead to confirm availability and any specific requirements.
- Local Community Organisations: Free tests may be available through local community centres, churches, schools, workplaces, or non-profit organisations. Interested individuals should check with their local county or city health department to identify any community-based organisations providing free tests.
- Retail Purchases: At-home COVID-19 tests are sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, and other retailers nationwide. While these are not free, they are widely available. The ASPR notes that most rapid at-home testing kits cost approximately £10 to £20 (converted from $12-$24) out-of-pocket for a pack of two tests, though prices can vary by brand.
Context: Relationship to Other Public Health Programmes
The free testing programme exists within a broader public health landscape. The September 2024 round of free tests was announced following the end of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Bridge Access Program. The Bridge Access Program was a public-private partnership designed to maintain access to free COVID-19 vaccines for adults who were underinsured or uninsured. This programme covered vaccines from BioNTech-Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax and concluded in August 2024. The reactivation of the free testing programme is framed as a complementary step to ensure continued public access to COVID-19 countermeasures, specifically diagnostics, as other support programmes wind down.
Testing Guidance and Best Practices
Testing is a critical tool for managing the spread of COVID-19. Early detection can inform treatment decisions and help prevent transmission to others. The at-home tests provided through the government programme are rapid antigen tests. They are designed for use by individuals with or without symptoms and are suitable for vaccinated and unvaccinated people alike. If a test result is positive, the individual should follow current public health guidelines, which typically include isolating to prevent further spread and notifying close contacts. It is also recommended to consult with a healthcare provider, especially for those at higher risk of severe illness, to discuss potential treatment options.
Conclusion
The US federal government's free at-home COVID-19 testing programme has been a significant resource for households, distributing hundreds of millions of tests since 2021. The programme operates in rounds, with eligibility typically limited to one kit per household per round. While the programme was active in September 2024, providing four free tests per household shipped via USPS, it was suspended as of March 10, 2025. The future of the programme is uncertain. For those seeking tests when the federal programme is inactive, alternative options include community-based testing sites, particularly ICATT locations for the uninsured, and retail purchases. Individuals should always verify the expiration dates of any existing tests using the FDA's resources. Staying informed about the status of the federal programme via the official COVIDtests.gov website is the best way to know when free tests become available again.