Free COVID-19 Tests Expiring Soon: Blame Big Government!

Folks, buckle up! The free COVID-19 tests the feds rolled out are about to expire, but don't worry, there's a perfectly bureaucratic explanation for that.

A couple of weeks back, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that households nationwide could snag up to four tests while supplies last. But surprise, surprise—some of these tests are set to expire quicker than Biden's approval rating.

The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) decided to chime in with their two cents:

“Tests sent out through COVIDTests.gov will have at least two months before they expire and are intended for near-term use during the holiday season,” Zachary Dembner, an ASPR spokesperson, told USA TODAY.

He also noted that some tests have extended expiration dates beyond what’s printed on the box. So, if you want to be sure, head over to the FDA website to verify.

Now, why the sudden push for free tests? Well, COVID-19 cases are climbing, and family gatherings are on the rise with the holiday season. Dembner also shared that ASPR aims to hand out tests to every American—talk about ambitious!

“In addition to COVIDTests.gov, ASPR distributes over 5 million tests per week directly to underserved and uninsured populations – including long-term care facilities, food banks, and health centers,” he said.

On Oct. 2, the United States Postal Service (USPS) reported that they've shipped over 12 million COVID-19 tests and delivered six million.

“The distribution of these at-home test kits is a vital public health initiative from the Department of Health and Human Services,” Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said in a statement. “We are proud to continue our partnership in ensuring that every household has access to the resources they need to stay safe and healthy.”

COVID-19: FDA approves the first at-home test for COVID-19 and the flu, no prescription needed

How long will the free COVID-19 tests be available?

According to the HHS, the free COVID-19 tests are available now through the end of the year. They started shipping the tests on Monday, Sept. 30.

Will the tests be available at participating pharmacies? If so, which ones?

Those in need of at-home tests right away can still buy them from pharmacies across the U.S. The HHS advises checking with local retailers and pharmacies to see where at-home tests are for sale.

Low-cost or no-cost tests may also be available to the uninsured. To find a COVID-19 testing site near you, contact a HRSA-funded health center or ICATT location.

How can I get free COVID-19 tests?

Interested in snagging a free COVID-19 test? Visit COVIDTest.gov or special.usps.com/testkits to order them.

Do I have to show my identification or place of residence to get a COVID-19 test?

A form through the United States Postal Service requires those interested in obtaining the free tests to provide their names and shipping addresses. Emails are optional for shipping notifications.

Do you have to pick up the tests in person, or can they be mailed to you?

The at-home tests will be mailed to individuals' residences across the U.S. Shipping is free of cost.

COVID-19 tests will be more accessible

HHS says the tests will be "more accessible" for people with disabilities, including those who have difficulty using their hands and people who are blind or have low vision. They also plan to reach marginalized households across the United States.

"These efforts complement ASPR’s ongoing distribution of free COVID-19 tests to long-term care facilities, low-income senior housing, aging and disability networks, and other community organizations," the HHS release said.

HHS also notes that "more than one billion over-the-counter tests have been provided to date through this community access program."

What if I test positive?

The tests can detect the dominant COVID-19 variants now circulating, according to the CDC. Results typically come within 30 minutes or less and can be used by both vaccinated and unvaccinated folks.

Individuals who test positive should follow the latest CDC guidance to prevent the spread of the virus.

Though positive results are accurate, the HHS warns that negative results don't necessarily rule out a COVID-19 infection. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends two negative antigen tests for people with symptoms or three antigen tests for people without symptoms, each performed 48 hours apart.

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery, and public policy stories. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram, Threads, and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com.