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COVID-19 At Home Tests
July 13, 2022
You’ve probably heard of COVID-19 at-home tests but what are they exactly, when are you supposed to use them, and what do the test results mean?
An at-home over-the-counter (OTC) test is a rapid antigen test that offers a quick and easy way to screen for COVID-19. These diagnostic tests are FDA authorized for self-testing at home. This means you collect your own sample, perform the test, and read the result yourself without the need to send a sample to a laboratory
When to Take an At-Home COVID-19 Test
| Test yourself if... |
Timing |
| You have any COVID-19 symptoms |
Immediately |
| You were exposed to someone with COVID-19 |
At least 5 days after your exposure
If you test negative for COVID-19, consider testing again 1 to 2 days after first test. |
| You are going to an indoor event or a gathering |
Members are covered for up to 8 tests per covered family member per month |
How to Get an At-Home COVID-19 Test
You’ll be happy to know that COVID-19 at-home tests are 100 percent covered when you’re enrolled in an APWU health plan!
| If you're enrolled in the High Option: |
If you're enrolled in the Consumer Driven Option: |
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Claims for at-home OTC COVID-19 tests will automatically process at $0 copay when members order through the Express Scripts Pharmacy or check out at an in-network retail pharmacy counter.
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Claims for at-home OTC COVID-19 tests will automatically process at $0
copay when members order through the Optum Store or check out at an in-network retail pharmacy counter.
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Members may also purchase an FDA authorized at-home COVID-19 test at any in-store or online retailer. This option will require the member to pay upfront and get reimbursed after. *Maximum reimbursement of $12 per test.
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Members may also purchase an FDA approved at-home COVID-19 test at any in-store or online retailer. This option will require the member to pay upfront and get reimbursed after. *Maximum reimbursement of $12 per test.
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Members are eligible for up to 8 tests every 30 days for each covered family member.
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Members are covered for up to 8 tests per covered family member per month
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Visit www.apwuhp.com for a list of in-network pharmacies, reimbursement forms and additional details.
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Visit www.apwuhp.com for a list of in-network pharmacies, reimbursement forms, and additional details.
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If you are enrolled in the Medicare Advantage plan enhancement:
• Medicare Advantage members are covered for up to 8 tests per covered family member per month.
• Please visit www.uhcretiree.com/apwuhp or call 1-855-383-893 for complete details.
You can also order free at-home COVID-19 tests through USPS. Go to https://special.usps.com/testkits to get up to 8 free tests delivered straight to your home.
It is very important to read the complete manufacturer’s instructions before using the test. If you do not follow the instructions, your test result may be incorrect.
What Your Test Results Mean
| If your test is POSITIVE: |
If your test is NEGATIVE: |
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• The test detected the virus and you have an infection.
• Tell your healthcare provider or begin a telehealth virtual visit as soon as possible to discuss the following:
• Isolation and quarantine guideline
• Masking protocol
• Possible treatments that may be available for you
• Age and underlying conditions
• Watch for symptoms. If you have any emergency warning signs, seek emergency care immediately.
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• The test did not detect the virus, but doesn’t rule out an infection.
• Some self-tests are designed to be used in a series
(also known as serial testing). Consider repeating the test 24 to 48
hours later. Multiple negative tests increases the confidence that you are not infected with the virus that causes COVID-19
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Check out our website at apwuhp.com or the resources below for more information!
Sources: cdc.gov; covid.gov; fda.gov
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