Yes, you can now order more free at-home COVID-19 tests from the federal government

Back in September, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the relaunch of their free COVID-19 test distribution program. This program allowed every household to order four free COVID-19 tests that were delivered by mail. 

But as the holidays near and COVID cases tick up, many people may be needing additional tests. Google searches about free government COVID tests spiked from people wondering if they could order more. 

THE QUESTION

Can you order more free at-home COVID-19 tests from the federal government?

THE SOURCES

• COVIDTests.gov, a Department of Health and Human Services website
• U.S. Postal Service

THE ANSWER

Yes, you can now order more free at-home COVID-19 tests from the federal government.

WHAT WE FOUND

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced that households can now order four additional free COVID-19 tests. A message on the COVIDTests.gov website says “Beginning November 20, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home.”

This is the second round of free COVID-19 tests from the government this year. If you didn’t order the first set of four free tests in September, you can now order up to eight tests, the HHS website says.  

While you won’t be able to choose what brand of COVID-19 tests you get, the HHS says that “All tests distributed as part of this program are FDA-authorized at-home rapid antigen tests.” 

Some tests may have outdated expiration dates printed on the box. But these tests are still able to be used because the FDA extended the shelf life of the tests.  

Tests can be ordered on the U.S. Postal Service’s website. All you have to do is submit your name and mailing address. You also have the option to submit your email to receive tracking updates. 

USPS says this new batch of orders is set to begin shipping the week of Nov. 27. 

In addition to the tests being mailed out by the government, there are other free ways to get tested for COVID-19, including through community-based testing sites. 

HHS also says its “distributing free at-home tests to schools, nursing homes, community health centers, rural health clinics, food banks, and other community locations to ensure communities have widespread access to tests.” 

For more guidance on taking at-home COVID-19 tests, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shares guidelines on its website.