The federal government has quietly launched its website to sign up for free COVID-19 tests, allowing people to order up to four tests sent directly to their homes.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki confirmed Tuesday that the government website ordering free COVID-19 testing is rolling out as part of a "beta phase" ahead of a formal rollout of the government website on Wednesday morning.
"COVIDtests.gov is currently in the beta phase, which is usually a standard part of the process because it's being tested in the early stages of rolling out," Psaki told reporters at the White House. "It will officially launch tomorrow morning."
Have you tried taking a free home test from the federal site? Did it work smoothly or was there a problem? Tell us about it here.
A formal launch was not expected until Wednesday, with a White House official saying it is only a beta phase to ensure the site works seamlessly.
"In alignment with website launch best practices, COVIDtests.gov is currently in its beta phase, meaning the website is operating at limited capacity prior to its official launch," a White House official told CNN. "It is standard practice to address the issue and ensure an official launch tomorrow as much as possible. We expect the website to officially launch tomorrow morning."
Several CNN readers reported that the site was easy to use, and the order only took a few minutes to complete.
However, others flagged that they ran into problems. Several readers said that when they tried to access the site, they were told that a trial had already been ordered for their address, so their request could not be fulfilled. Some live in apartment buildings, but others said they were in private residences and that no one else in the house had used the site.
The website notes that it is up and running in preparation for a full launch on Wednesday. It requests people to "check back tomorrow if you run into any unforeseen problems."
Limited capacity
Although the official said the site was only operating at limited capacity, it is not clear how the initial phase of the site is limited. Once shipping information is entered online, the site instructed people that the tests would begin shipping in "end of January" and that the United States Postal Service, which is handling the delivery, "only 4 free home deliveries for COVID-19." Will send a set of tests to a valid residential address."
Late last week, administration officials said that once requested through the website, tests are expected to be sent out within seven to 12 days. Requests are limited to four tests per household, regardless of household size.
In addition to the website, the federal government is setting up a hotline to request tests. The White House said Tuesday that it is currently being piloted and additional details will be available at the end of the week.
The president last month announced his plan to make half a billion COVID-19 rapid tests available to Americans before Christmas, as the Omicron version was ramping up across the US.
Now, the version makes up almost all US cases.
The Omicron variant caused 99.5% of new coronavirus cases in the US last week, according to estimates posted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday.
The US is currently reporting an average of 777,453 new Covid-19 cases and 1,797 new deaths per day, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
In total, the Biden administration has promised to acquire 1 billion rapid tests - 500 million initially announced to be distributed by mail to Americans, 500 million more recently announced to meet future demand.
FREE HOME TRIAL FROM RETAILERS
Most Americans with private insurance can purchase home tests online or in stores and pay for them at the time of purchase or receive reimbursement by submitting a claim to your insurer. A Biden administration effort, the program launched on Saturday, and only those purchased from that date are testable.
Will not require a prescription or a doctor's order, and tests will not be subject to copies or deductibles. Insurers must pay for up to eight tests per covered person per month.
Insurers can set up a network of preferred stores, pharmacies and online retailers where consumers can obtain tests at no cost. People can still buy tests outside that network, but insurers will only have to reimburse up to $12 for each.
Consumers should contact their insurers to find out if they offer direct coverage or if claims must be submitted.
However, many Medicare enrollees are not eligible for free home testing from retailers. Traditional Medicare covers COVID-19 testing done in a lab when ordered by a medical professional at no charge.
Those enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans should check with their insurers to see if the costs of home tests will be covered.
However, Americans are having a hard time finding tests to buy at retailers or order online. Scores has written to CNN complaining that they cannot find the test.