Resources for FREE COVID-19 Home Tests on Cape Cod
Updated 11/16/2023
As of September 25, 2023, every household in the U.S. can now order FREE at-home COVID-19 tests
Step 1: Head to COVIDTests.gov to order.
Step 2: Fill out your contact and shipping information.
Step 3: Submit your order and have them delivered to your mailbox.
Need help placing an order? Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) to get help in English, Spanish, and more than 150 other languages.
Insurance Coverage for COVID-19 Tests
Since the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ended on May 11, 2023, laboratory tests for COVID-19 that are ordered by your provider are covered with no out-of-pocket costs for people with Medicare. Over-the-counter tests will still be available, but there may be out-of-pocket costs. Coverage of over-the-counter tests may vary by your insurance type, as described below.
Medicare
Generally, Medicare doesn’t cover or pay for over-the counter products. The demonstration that has allowed us to offer coverage for COVID-19 over-the-counter tests at no cost ends on May 11, 2023.
However, if you are enrolled in Medicare Part B, you will continue to have coverage with no out-of-pocket costs for appropriate laboratory-based COVID-19 PCR and antigen tests, when a provider orders them (such as drive-through PCR and antigen testing or testing in a provider’s office).
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have more access to tests depending on your benefits. Check with your plan.
Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program
If you have coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, you will have access to COVID-19 over-the-counter and laboratory testing through September 30, 2024. After that date, coverage of testing may vary by state.
Private Insurance
If you have private insurance, coverage will vary depending on your health plan. However, private plans won’t be required by federal law to cover over-the counter and laboratory-based COVID-19 tests after May 11, 2023.
If your insurance chooses to cover COVID-19 testing, they may require cost sharing, prior authorization, or other forms of medical management.
Before you throw out “Expired” tests, remember that expiration dates on some tests have been
extended. For more information, please visit: At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests | FDA.
FREE test kits are also still available through some towns and local organizations.
The following local organizations still have some free COVID-19 home test kits for residents.
| Town | Location/Website | Hours/Availability | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brewster | Brewster Town Hall 2198 Main Street Brewster MA 02631 | M-Th | 8:30AM – 4PM Appointment Only | Phone: (508) 896-3701 Ext: 1120 |
| Chatham | Chatham Town Hall Upper Floor 261 George Ryder Road Chatham, MA 02633 | M-Th | 7AM – 4PM F | 8AM – 12PM | Phone: (508) 945-5165 |
| Eastham | Eastham Health Department 2500 State Highway Eastham, MA 02642 | M-Th | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM F | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Phone: (508) 240-5900 Ext: 3230 |
| Orleans* | Orleans Town Hall 2nd Floor 19 School Street Orleans MA 02653 | M-F | 8:30AM – 4:30PM | Phone: (508) 240-3700 Ext: 2450 |
| Provincetown | Provincetown Health Department 260 Commercial Street Provincetown, MA 02657 | M-Th | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM F | 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Phone: (508) 487-7020 |
| Sandwich | Sandwich Health Department 100 Route 6A Sandwich, MA 02563 | M-F | 8:00 AM – 4:30PM | Phone: (508) 888-4200 |
| Truro | Truro Health Department 24 Town Hall Road Truro, MA 02666 | T-F | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Phone: (508) 214-0920 |
| Wellfleet | Wellfleet Health Department 220 West Main Street Wellfleet, MA 02667 | M-F | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Closed Daily 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Phone: (508) 349-0308 |
