Health New England is expanding federally mandated coverage of at-home COVID-19 tests to include its Medicare Advantage members.
The Biden administration announced payers must cover at-home COVID-19 tests for private members effective Jan. 15. The rule does not apply to Medicare beneficiaries, however.
Under the expanded coverage, members can present their membership ID cards at Walmart and Rite Aid pharmacies to receive at-home tests with no out-of-pocket costs. Tests purchased elsewhere are subject to reimbursement up to $12 per test.
"This decision ensures that older individuals who may be high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 have access to this benefit and helps reduce barriers to testing," the payer said in a statement.
Health New England's move follows in the footsteps of payers like Fallon Health that have similarly expanded coverage.