Free COVID-19 Test Program is Returning this Fall

A primer on expiration dates, data reporting, and what to expect ahead of respiratory virus season

August 27, 2024

Following a summer upswing in COVID-19 cases, Americans will once again be able to acquire another round of free COVID-19 tests at no charge.

Last week, the federal government announced the return of the program, which delivers four free COVID-19 tests per household by mail. The news comes as nearly all states report “high” or “very high” levels of the virus in the wastewater, including Pennsylvania.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Background:  Since the start of the pandemic, the U.S. has distributed more than 900 million tests to U.S. households. The next round of tests is expected to be available by the end of September.
  • The tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and be used through the end of the year.
• Report your results:  With changing requirements for COVID-19 reporting, the federal government has set up an additional website where you can report your test results. This helps public health leaders identify trends in the spread of the virus.
• Old tests?:  See if your tests are still up to date here.
• Coming soon:  Last week, the FDA authorized the updated COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. The new vaccine will target the Omicron KP.2 strain and is expected for widespread rollout during September.
• The bottom line:  “COVID-19 testing can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading the virus to others,”  the federal government noted in a statement.

The CDC has guidance for those who test positive to limit the spread of the virus. If you have symptoms, the FDA recommends two negative tests to be confident you do not have COVID-19.

Additional information about the next round of free tests is available online.