Free at-Home COVID Tests Are Back

The Postal Service’s free COVID testing program returns on Monday, September 25, 2023. On that date, you can visit COVIDTests.gov and request a free package of four tests to be sent to your home. .

Can I get free COVID tests even if I’ve taken them before?

Yes, this is another round of offerings. You can receive one package of four tests per household, regardless of whether you have previously received free tests through the program.

How soon will I receive the tests?

It’s unclear how long it will take the government to package and mail the tests, but once they’re in transit, they’ll arrive quickly—first class for most of the U.S. and priority mail for Alaska and Hawaii. , US territories and APO/FPO/DPO addresses. If you enter your email address at checkout, you will receive a shipping notification and a tracking number when it ships.

Can I use my old COVID tests in the meantime?

Maybe! First, check your old tests for expiration dates. If they haven’t expired yet, everything is fine. However, if they are past their expiration date, don’t throw them away just yet. First, check the FDA’s list of COVID test expiration date extensions .

Find the brand name on this page; if the validity period has been extended, there will be a link to the PDF file. Control-F to search this document for the batch number and you will be able to see the new expiration date. I have two different brands left over from the last round of free tests, and both have had their expiration dates extended enough that I can use them this winter.

Will the tests work on current COVID variants?

Yes. Some tests work better than others with the strains of the virus that are currently prevalent. The tests, which you can order at COVIDTests.gov, can detect variants currently circulating. If you want to know whether your old tests will still work, the FDA has a list of tests that are expected to have “reduced effectiveness” in detecting new strains. So far, only one rapid test brand (Xtrava SPERA) has been included in the list, so it is expected that the remaining brands will continue to operate as usual.