At-Home COVID Test not Reimbursable for those with TRICARE

It is no surprise that COVID has shifted the world’s focus. Life shut down two years ago, and there are maintained restrictions and testing due to the previously unknown respiratory virus. The current President has set up an initiative to help curb COVID. The plan is to cover the cost of at-home COVID testing. At-home testing is convenient, reliable, and lessens the exposure of those performing the testing.

In January of 2022, private and group health insurers will be required to reimburse for the cost of up to eight at-home COVID tests per month. TRICARE, a federal program, is not part of this program. This means the TRICARE beneficiaries will not have the same access to cost-cutting as other private insurers.

TRICARE currently only covers COVID testing when the test is ordered by your provider, has symptoms, has exposure, is required for an upcoming surgery or procedure, or is needed for a move overseas. COVID testing for non-military travel, return to work, or return to school is not currently covered under the guidelines unless a provider orders testing.

COVID testing is being done through drive-throughs at many base locations across the United States. If you have symptoms or exposure and you are desiring to be tested, look up your base testing sites. Many states also offer to test for symptoms or exposure at no cost. You can also contact your primary care provider, and if they deem testing necessary, they can order the testing to be done. Based on where your primary care provider is, depends on where you complete your testing. If it is medically necessary, TRICARE will cover it without additional cost.

While at-home COVID testing is not currently covered by TRICARE, you can order 4 tests to be delivered to your home for free at covidtests.gov as part of a recent government initiative.