Washington households can order at-home rapid COVID tests at no cost
Jan 21, 2022, 11:03 AM
COVID-19 at-home rapid test kits. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The state is going live with its portal to order at-home COVID tests that ship directly to households.
Additional COVID testing site, expanded options coming to Seattle
But Washington’s Secretary of Health, Dr. Umair Shah, warns that it may be tough to access at first.
“Not everyone who wants a test will be able to order a test today through this process. Not everyone is going to be able to get on, not everyone is going to be able to order. Or the site may even — due to overwhelming demand — go down at times,” he said.
Each household can order up to five free tests — one kit per household — online here. The Washington State Department of Health says shipping should take about a week or two.
Supply will be limited at first, but will be restocked. In total, the governor is setting aside about 3.5 million tests, but 650,000 are ready now.
Free COVID-19 tests now available for all US households
Free at-home COVID tests are also available through the federal program here. Additionally, at-home tests can be purchased at some local retailers and pharmacies. If you have health insurance, most insurers will now cover or pay you back for up to eight at-home tests per month.
Find a testing location in Washington near you here.
