Member Updates & Information

Testing Options

We remain committed to making sure members get the care they need when they need it. CareFirst members should call the number on the back of their member ID card with questions pertaining to  their coverage for COVID-19 tests administered by a healthcare provider for diagnostic purposes. Also, note that all American households can order free COVID-19 tests from the federal government. Visit covidtests.gov, and click the blue "Order Free At-Home Tests" button. Then, complete and submit the online form. Everyone qualifies. You do not need health insurance to receive your free tests. People may also access free or affordably priced testing in the community. You can find a list of community-based testing sites here.

 Frequently Asked Questions

For more information about coverage of over-the-counter tests, view our frequently asked questions.

During the Public Health Emergency, which ended May 11, 2023, the federal government required commercial health plans to cover the cost of over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests for members. CareFirst will no longer reimburse members for tests purchased on or after May 12, 2023. For tests purchased between January 15, 2022 and May 11, 2023, commercial members have one year from the date of purchase to submit a claim for reimbursement.

The following claims process pertains to CareFirst commercial members* only. If you are a Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Medicaid or Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan member, please call the number on the back of your member ID card for benefit information.

Member Reimbursement

Commercial members may receive reimbursement for up to eight over-the-counter COVID-19 at-home tests per covered individual in the household per 30-days without a healthcare provider order or clinical assessment, if they were purchased between January 15, 2022 and May 11, 2023. If multiple tests are sold in one package, i.e., if one package includes two tests, it counts as two tests and not one test package toward the quantity limit.

Tests that were purchased at a retail location or online but are then sent to a lab for processing are not covered unless accompanied by a doctor's order (except for individuals covered by plans based in the District of Columbia).

To be eligible for reimbursement, the purchased over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 tests:

  • must be purchased between January 15, 2022 and May 11, 2023
  • must be for personal diagnostic use
    • used to identify the potential COVID-19 infection
    • not be used for employment purposes
    • not used for surveillance testing
  • will be self-administered with results that can be self-read
  • will not be resold, given or supplied to persons other than family members covered under the same policy
  • will not be reimbursed by another source

Claims Submission

Members must complete a claim form to be reimbursed for over-the-counter COVID-19 testing. If you have health coverage through a large employer, we recommend you contact your Benefits or HR Administrator to determine if your over-the-counter COVID-19 testing claim should be submitted to CareFirst as a medical claim or to your employer’s Pharmacy Benefit Manager as a pharmacy claim.

Required documentation for this medical claim includes:  

  • The purchase receipt documenting the date of purchase and price
  • UPC** cut-out from the over-the-counter COVID-19 test packaging
  • Signed, completed attestation confirming and acknowledging that the purchased over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 test meets eligibility guidelines

The attestation included in our claims process ensures our members comply with the spirit of this policy—to ensure tests are accessible and affordable for those who need them. 

To submit a claim online, log in to, or register for My Account, click ‘My Documents’, then ‘Forms’ and select ‘Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Test Online Claim’ to get started.

To print and mail your claim, download the claim form (PDF).

*This process applies to members with individual, employer-sponsored, as well as Federal Employee Program (FEP) and Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) plan members.

**The UPC (Universal Product Code) is the barcode and 12-digit-number that typically runs below it.