Why aren't rapid tests free?

[Anonymous]

I have to pay $25 for a rapid test at Walgreens every time I go. I use my health savings card but really why aren't they free? Biden and co. should be using DPA and mass producing rapid tests and distributing them to EVERYONE for FREE! I am soooo disheartened by our government.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Even though we now have a kind-hearted leader who is not a COVID-denier, we still have a federal government that is not taking reasonable measures to promote public health, including by making rapid tests widely available for free or at a low cost.

It's like we have learned nothing.

[Anonymous]

I’ve never paid for one.

[Anonymous]

Your insurance sucks. I've had nearly a dozen since covid started and have never paid.

[Anonymous]

OP here - how does your insurance pay for it from over the counter CVS or Walgreens? Do you just show your insurance card? I have always had to pay using my Flex Spending card.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your insurance sucks. I've had nearly a dozen since covid started and have never paid.

Your insurance pays for at-home testing? That's what OP meant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your insurance sucks. I've had nearly a dozen since covid started and have never paid.

Your insurance pays for at-home testing? That's what OP meant.

OP here - yes sorry I mean rapid tests at home. I have not had to pay for any PCR tests at the doctors office or a testing facility.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your insurance sucks. I've had nearly a dozen since covid started and have never paid.

Most people’s insurance sucks. How does it work with yours? Do you have to submit for reimbursement?

[Anonymous]

I think some PPs are referring to regular tests (administered by someone), not take-at-home tests.

The issue is the FDA has only approved rpaid tests by 2 companies, so they are not plentiful, and are expensive.

The EU has approved 100+ tests, so you can buy them fro about $1 in any pharmacy in Germany for example. Some restaurants there even test people as they enter, since it's so cheap.

[Anonymous]

You need to go to one of the government run testing sites to get the test paid for from insurance. Like: Curative sites in Arlington.

I will agree, the OTC tests SHOULD be free. It's a huge way to help combat the spread. We are WAY behind in this compared to other countries.

But if you buy Binax or whatever, it is more expensive. Walmart has the Binax test for $14, so I get those from there.

[Anonymous]

These things should cost about a dollar. Same methodology as a pregnancy test which are available at dollar stores. Ridiculous price gouging and I say this as a free market conservative.

[Anonymous]

Exactly - I can afford to spend $25 for a 2 pack of Binax over the counter rapid tests as often as I want but a lot of people cannot. It is ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

I paid $7/test for the Abbott tests, which didn't seem too bad. I ordered some today that were around $8.50.

I was in NYC this week and there are pop up testing tents in midtown where you can get a free rapid test. Would be great to have that here.

[Anonymous]

Go to a testing site and get a rapid and pcr at the same time. The testing centers are all over the place. Mine are always covered by insurance and I have results within the hour. the over the counter ones do add a convenience factor but if you don't want to pay for them then go to a testing center.

[Anonymous]

It's like when you go to the OB Gyn and they do a pregnancy test for you - that's covered by insurance. an over the counter one is not. You are buying something OTC.