Free, at-home COVID-19 tests are available to the University of Michigan community through two new federal programs.

Every household in the United States is eligible to order four free, at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests through a new government website. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.

In addition, anyone covered by a U-M health plan is eligible to receive up to eight FDA-approved, at-home COVID-19 tests each month.

There is no out-of-pocket cost to the member or eligible dependents as long as the tests are purchased at network pharmacies. However, this does not apply to online purchases.

 To ensure they have no cost or reimbursement forms to submit when buying tests, members should present their Magellan Rx prescription card at the time of purchase.

Network pharmacies include all major chains — such as CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Meijer, Kroger, Walmart, Costco and Sam’s Club — and most independent pharmacies, including Michigan Medicine.

If members purchase tests at non-network pharmacies or retail stores, they must submit a claim form and original receipt for reimbursement, which will be capped at $12 per test.

The form and more information also are available in the News and Updates section of the U-M Prescription Drug Plan web page.

Online purchases will be processed as if the tests were bought at a non-network pharmacy, even if the pharmacy is in the network.

Free, immediate testing is available through U-M depending on the need.

(Note: This article was revised and updated Jan. 19 from it original online version.)