The U.S. Postal Service has quietly launched its site for ordering free COVID-19 test kits a day ahead of the official government launch.
A Google search revealed that the site went up at some point after 11 a.m. ET.
The kits are limited to one order per residential address. That order will contain four rapid antigen tests. They will ship for free starting in late January.
The only information needed to order the tests is a name and the address they’ll be shipped to. Those who order tests will not be able to choose the brand they receive.
Initially, the rollout was scheduled for Wednesday via covidtests.gov. A link on that page goes through to the USPS site.
In addition to the free tests from the government, private insurers are now required to cover the cost of up to eight at-home rapid test kits per month. This will be handled via reimbursement.
It is estimated the first 500 million test kits to be distributed by the government will cost about $4 billion, money that is coming out of the relief bill President Joe Biden signed in March 2021.
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