LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Director Anita Fox encouraging Michiganders with health insurance to take advantage of a new federal rule that requires health insurers to cover the cost of eight over-the-counter COVID-19 home tests per month.
“We will continue working with our federal partners to ensure that COVID-19 testing is more accessible and less expensive for every Michigander,” said Whitmer. “Thanks to this new rule, a family of four, for example, can get 32 tests every month, saving them at least $384 every month. This expanded access to tests will lower costs and help limit the spread of COVID-19.”
Officials say as insurers work to implement the new coverage, Michiganders should save receipts and boxes for COVID-19 tests purchased beginning on Saturday, January 15 so they can submit them for future reimbursement.
“This new health insurance benefit will help reduce barriers to at-home COVID-19 testing for Michiganders,” said Fox. “Depending on the insurer, consumers may be able to get their covered tests for free at the store or pharmacy, or they may be required to keep receipts for later reimbursement. Following the guidance issued Monday by the federal government, insurers have begun developing their plans for offering this new benefit. DIFS will compile information from Michigan insurers as it becomes available, and more information will be posted in the coming weeks at Michigan.gov/DIFS.”
Under the new rule, starting January 15, private insurers will be required to cover up to eight FDA-approved over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per month for each person covered by a health plan.
