Insurers aren't ready to pay for Americans' home COVID-19 tests

Beginning Saturday, private health insurers will be required to reimburse their members for the cost of over-the-counter COVID-19 tests under new rules laid out by the Biden administration. But Americans are unlikely to get their hands on tests right away.

For one, rapid tests remain in short supply, and pharmacies across the U.S. are sold out in stores and online. Second, many insurers aren't ready to go, saying they haven't had enough time to establish partnerships with retailers or to come up with the necessary operational processes for health plan participants to seek reimbursement for the tests.