At-Home Test Coverage

As of May 12, 2023, Healthfirst does not cover the cost of over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID-19 tests for Leaf/Leaf Premier or EPO Plans/Individual (Total) Small Business Plan members.

Where to Get Tests

Over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID-19 tests will continue to be available for purchase at pharmacies. After May 11th, 2023, you will no longer be reimbursed for the cost of these tests.

At-Home Test Coverage

Over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID-19 tests for Medicaid and Personal Wellness Plan members. Only FDA-authorized OTC at-home COVID-19 tests are covered. Members are covered for two tests per week—up to eight tests in a 30-day period (one kit may contain two tests). No prescription is needed.

Where to Get Tests

To get a covered test for free, visit a pharmacy in the NYRx Medicaid network. Search for a Pharmacy or Medical Equipment Supplier (emedny.org).

REMEMBER: Always call the pharmacy first to make sure that they have the tests in stock.

At-Home Test Coverage

Healthfirst covers the cost of FDA-authorized over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID-19 tests for Essential Plans and Child Health Plus members. Members are covered for two test kits per week–up to 8 tests in a 30-day period (one kit may contain two tests). Make sure to keep your receipt. No prescription is needed. Only FDA-authorized OTC at-home COVID-19 tests are covered.

Where to Get Tests

To get a covered test, visit a pharmacy in the Healthfirst pharmacy network. We understand that many pharmacies are short staffed and may not be able to process your request. If you are unable to get a test at the pharmacy counter, please purchase one at the retail counter and keep your receipt for reimbursement. You can request your reimbursement online through your Caremark.com account—there’s no need to mail anything in. To request reimbursement online, visit COVID-19 OTC | CVS Caremark and follow these instructions:

1. Sign in or register at Caremark.com
2. Upload your proof of purchase; this can be a digital receipt or a photo of a paper receipt.

For help with reimbursement, call the Healthfirst Member Services number on your member ID card.

At-Home Test Coverage

As of May 12, 2023, Medicare Fee-for-Service (“Original Medicare”) does not cover the cost of over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID-19 tests for Medicare plan members.

Where to Get Tests

After May 11th, 2023, you will no longer be reimbursed for out-of-pocket cost of at-home COVID-19 tests. Members of Increased Benefits Plan and Signature (HMO) may continue to use their OTC Plus or OTC card to purchase OTC at-home COVID-19 testing kits at participating retailers.

At-Home Test Coverage

As of May 12, 2023, Medicare Fee-for-Service (“Original Medicare”) does not cover the cost of OTC at-home COVID-19 tests for CompleteCare and Life Improvement Plan members.

Medicaid Fee-for-Service (FFS) covers the cost of FDA-authorized at-home COVID-19 tests for CompleteCare and Life Improvement Plan members. Only FDA-authorized at-home COVID-19 tests are covered. Members are covered for two tests per week—up to eight tests in a 30-day period (one kit may contain two tests). No prescription is needed.

Where to Get Tests

To get a covered FDA-authorized at-home COVID-19 test for free, visit a pharmacy in the NYRx Medicaid network. Search for a Pharmacy or Medical Equipment Supplier (emedny.org).

You can also use your OTC Plus card to purchase OTC at-home COVID-19 testing kits at participating retailers.

REMEMBER: Always call the pharmacy or participating retailer first to make sure that they have the testing kits in stock.

At-Home Test Coverage

Medicaid Fee-for-Service (FFS) covers the cost of FDA-authorized over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID-19 tests for Senior Health Partners members. Only FDA-authorized at-home COVID-19 tests are covered. Members are covered for two tests per week—up to eight tests in a 30-day period (one kit may contain two tests). No prescription is needed. For quantities greater than eight tests per month, you will need to present a prescription from a qualified healthcare provider.

Where to Get Tests

Using your New York State (NYS) Medicaid benefits, you may pick up a COVID-19 at-home test at any pharmacy that accepts your NYS Medicaid benefit card. Please note that supplies may be limited in many areas, and this benefit is subject to availability. Always call the pharmacy first to make sure that they have tests in stock. If you have questions, call the Medicaid Helpline at 1-800-541-2831, Monday to Friday, 8am‒8pm, and Saturday, 9am‒1pm.