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TO: City of Boston Health Insurance Covered Members
SUBJECT: COVID Rapid Testing through Health Plan Announcement
Purpose
On Monday, January 10, the federal government issued
guidance that insurance carriers and plan sponsors (such as
the City of Boston) will be required to cover the cost of up to 8
at-home/over-the-counter rapid test kits for COVID-19 each
month, in response to the widespread impact of the Omicron
variant. However, this federal guidance is unusual in nature
and will take time to implement fully.
The health of our members is our priority, as always. We are
working to implement this new coverage for over-the-counter
at-home COVID tests as quickly and simply as possible. We
expect the processes with each health plan to continue to
evolve.
Policy
In accordance with the Federal Government mandate effective
January 15, 2022, the City of Boston will cover the cost of up to
8 FDA-authorized at-home/over-the-counter rapid test kits
for COVID-19 per member per month.
Covered
Members
This policy applies to City of Boston health insurance covered
non-Medicare and Medicare members, regardless if an active
employee or retiree.
Cost to Members
Members will be able to obtain OTC test kits at no cost from
preferred pharmacy providers as indicated by their respective
health plan. The process is subject to the individual health plan
- tests may be obtained by providing a pharmacy card or
submitting for reimbursement. There will also be maximum
price controls in place for reimbursement for tests purchased
outside a preferred pharmacy network. Members must refer to
their individual health plan for additional guidance.
Effective Date
This policy is effective as of Saturday, January 15, and will
remain in place for an unspecified period of time.
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Health Plan
Contact Info
AllWays Health Partners
Phone: 866-567-9175
Website: https://go.allwayshealthpartners.org/coronavirus
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Phone: 888-714-0189
Website: www.bluecrossma.org/myblue/coronavirus-
resource-center#get-tested
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
Phone: 888-333-4742
Website: www.harvardpilgrim.org/myoptions/coronavirus-
your-guide-to-care
Tufts Health Plan
Phone: 800-701-9000
Website: https://tuftshealthplan.com/covid-19/home
Additional
Resources
The Federal Government is allowing individuals to order up to
four at-home tests per residential address, to be delivered by
the U.S. Postal Service by visiting www.covidtests.gov
If you would like to find a location to schedule a free PCR or
lab-performed COVID test, please visit
• www.mass.gov/info-details/find-a-covid-19-test
• www.boston.gov/health-and-human-services/covid-
19-health-and-testing-information
The state government is also working to distribute over 2
million self-tests in over 100 communities that the pandemic
has particularly impacted. For further information on the
availability of these free tests, please go to
www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-self-test-distribution
For information on free tests distributed to community health
centers by the federal government, you may go to
www.hrsa.gov/coronavirus/testing-supplies
If you have any further questions or concerns, contact your health plan or the City
of Boston Health Benefits & Insurance office at [email protected] or 617-635-4570.
