Governor Walz Announces Minnesotans Can Receive More At-Home Rapid Tests Through State Program
[St. Paul, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced Minnesotans can place a second order for four free at-home rapid tests through the state’s online ordering program.
Minnesotans who have previously ordered tests from this program are now able to receive four additional tests per household (for up to a total of eight tests) at Order your free at-home rapid tests on mn.gov/covid19. Those who have not yet placed an order can receive up to eight tests at once.
The website includes information about at-home rapid testing, a video demonstration and FAQ on how to use the iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test, and a link to place orders with the state’s fulfillment partner, Care Evolution. Minnesotans can also place orders through the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline at 1-833-431-2053 Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Language assistance is available.
“Minnesotans have more COVID-19 testing options than ever, and our online ordering program is one of the ways we are making it easy and convenient to access those tests,” said Governor Walz. “Minnesotans should continue to test if they have been exposed to the virus or have symptoms of COVID-19.”
Minnesota launched its at-home test ordering program in late March. Since then, nearly 122,000 Minnesota households have placed testing orders and received almost 488,000 tests.
In addition to Minnesota’s online ordering program, the federal government is providing up to sixteen free tests per household at covidtests.gov. Minnesotans can order testing from both the state and federal governments.
How to get a test
The state has worked hard to ensure Minnesotans can access COVID-19 testing in a variety of ways.
Minnesotans can order four kits of two rapid tests through the state at Order your free at-home rapid tests . Through the federal government, Minnesotans can order free rapid at-home tests at CovidTests.gov . Food banks, local public health agencies, community groups and other community health organizations may also have free tests available.
Anyone can walk in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the state’s free COVID-19 Community Testing sites or find a testing option near them through the state’s Find Testing Locations map .
Costs for over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests are now required to be covered by health plans offered by Medicare, insurance companies, employers and groups as a result of actions taken by the Biden Administration. In some circumstances, Minnesotans can receive free tests by showing their insurance card at a store. People should check with their health plan prior to purchasing at-home tests to ensure they are following the necessary steps to have costs covered.
Testing and COVID-19 medications
If you are high risk and develop symptoms that could be COVID-19, get tested right away. Prescription medication is available to help prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death. Talk to a health care provider to learn if you qualify for COVID-19 treatment and where to get it. Learn more about COVID-19 medication at COVID-19 Treatments .
Dozens of Minnesota pharmacies and federally qualified health centers are participating in the federal Test to Treat program. There, you can take a COVID-19 test and, if positive, be assessed by a provider on-site. If you are eligible for treatment, you can receive and fill a prescription for pills at the same time. The federal government has a Test to Treat locator to help find participating sites. Some of these sites require appointments. Learn more at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Test to Treat site.
When to get tested
Testing continues to be important for preventing the spread of the virus.
To keep COVID-19 from spreading, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends people should test if:
They have symptoms of the virus.
They have had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
They are returning from international or domestic travel.
They attended a high-risk event.
They work in a setting that has regular, close contact with many people.
Minnesotans can find up-to-date guidance on when to get tested on the MDH COVID-19 Testing page.
Questions about COVID-19:
·Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline: 1-833-431-2053, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.