Biden Administration Restarts Distribution Of Free At Home COVID-19 Tests, After Suspending For Year

In response to the escalating spread of the virus nationwide, the Biden administration declared that it would recommence offering free at-home COVID tests to American households starting next Monday.

Last September, the federal government suspended its offer of free at-home COVID-19 tests.

Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced its plan to distribute free COVID-19 tests to households across the U.S.

The relaunch of this program aligns with the approaching fall and winter seasons, during which the virus typically spreads more extensively. The at-home tests to be distributed are equipped to identify the most current COVID variants. 

Starting Monday, September 25th, households will once again have the opportunity to request up to four complimentary tests via the COVIDTests.gov platform. 

These tests are designed to detect the currently circulating COVID-19 variants and are intended for use until the conclusion of 2023. and will include clear instructions on how to verify extended expiration dates.

Furthermore, HHS unveiled a substantial investment of $600 million in 12 domestic COVID-19 test manufacturers. 

It anticipates securing approximately 200 million tests from these companies. 

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra stated, "These critical investments will strengthen our nation's production levels of domestic at-home COVID-19 rapid tests and help mitigate the spread of the virus."