For some people getting the free Covid tests from the mailman will be relatively easy. But for some of the millions of seniors on Medicare, and those on disability, there will be more challenges.
The 500 million free tests are scheduled to start being delivered at the end of January. Those who are computer savvy, or live by themselves, only need to access COVIDTests.gov to order four free tests.
Many seniors and the disabled don’t have access to computers. Some may live in households with others.
Since the federal rule is that one kit will be available per household, that will mean that multi-member households will not be able to obtain tests for everyone.
There is a phone number that seniors and others can now use to obtain assistance in getting the tests.
The phone number — 1-800-232-0233 — has had little publicity, and I would guess many are unaware of it.
The phone line is now open from 8 a.m. to midnight ET seven days a week, and offers assistance in more than 150 languages.
When calling that number you will get a recording that gives you two options on how to order the four test kits.
The first option is to wait for a human being to process your order. The recording warns that there is a “long wait.”
The second option is to leave your name and address, but there is no information on how long it will take to process these.
The recording makes clear that each residence can only receive four test kits, not matter how many live there.
Another issue facing those on Medicare is that at this point they are unable to receive free test kits from pharmacies, unlike those with private insurance.
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) has urged the federal government to pay for the home test kits for all Medicare recipients.
An announcement was made on Feb. 3 that Medicare recipients will be able to obtain free at-home Covid tests starting in the Spring.
You also need to keep in mind that home tests are not completely accurate.
“Some of the at-home rapid antigen tests have an overall sensitivity of roughly 85 percent, which means that they are catching roughly 85 percent of people who are infected with the virus and missing 15 percent. In some studies, their real-world performance has been even lower,” writes the New York Times.
“But the tests are more sensitive in people with symptoms than without and are most sensitive during the first week of symptoms, studies have found.”
THERE ARE OTHER ISSUES IN GETTING TEST KITS
According to CNN many have complained that they couldn’t receive tests if they used PO boxes.
Those living in mobile home parks, rural address and boats are also being blocked.
“Still others said the US Postal Service didn’t recognize their address or disqualified them because they run small businesses from their homes.”
The Postal Service told CNN Thursday “that it is continuing to work on solutions for those who have experienced issues. Consumers who have encountered problems can file a service request or contact the Postal Service help desk at 800-ASK-USPS.”
