COVID home tests: Americans to be reimbursed starting Saturday

Americans with private insurance will be able to ask for reimbursement for rapid COVID-19 tests beginning Saturday — but any tests purchased before January 15 will not qualify. 

That date is when the Biden administration's requirement that private insurance companies recompense those who buy over-the-counter COVID tests goes into effect. The rule doesn't retroactively cover tests bought earlier. Starting Saturday, individuals will be able to submit reimbursement requests online with their insurance company.

The requirement allows eight tests a month per person covered by the policy. For instance, a household of two people covered by one private health insurance plan would be able to request reimbursement for 16 tests every month.