COVID-19 TESTS

Testing remains critically important to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, as well as to quickly diagnose COVID-19 so that it can be effectively treated. Ordering through the free at-home test program was suspended on Friday, September 2 because Congress hasn’t provided additional funding to replenish the nation’s stockpile of tests.  You can still find information about other opportunities to get the at-home tests at www.covidtests.gov.    If you need assistance call us at 1-800-243-6060.

GOOD NEWS!!

Health insurance companies and group health plans can now cover the cost of at-home COVID-19 tests. Insurance companies and health plans are required to cover 8 free over-the-counter at-home tests per covered individual per month, through preferred pharmacies, retailers or other entities with no out-of-pocket costs. These actions remove financial barriers and expand access to COVID-19 tests for millions of people.    https://www.cms.gov/how-to-get-your-at-home-OTC-COVID-19-test-for-free

How Missourians can get a free COVID-19 test:
  • Locate local vaccination options at MOStopsCovid.com.  If you need assistance call us at 1-800-243-6060.
  • Individuals can also contact their pharmacy to learn about scheduling a vaccine or booster shot.

About the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services:  DHSS seeks to be the leader in protecting health and keeping people safe. More information about DHSS can be found at health.mo.gov or find us on Facebook and Twitter @HealthyLivingMo.

Lost COVID-19 Vaccination Card

Local Departments of Health cannot replace lost CDC Vaccination Record cards received at the time of a COVID-19 vaccine. If you need a report showing proof of receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, please reach out to the appropriate office: There may be a small fee to obtain the vaccination records.

Long Covid

Although most people with COVID-19 get better within weeks of illness, some people experience post-COVID conditions, or long COVID conditions, which include a wide range of new, returning or ongoing health problems people can experience four or more weeks after first being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Visit the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for more information.

Avoid COVID-19 Scams
Have you gotten robocalls, text messages, or emails offering COVID-19 tests in exchange for your Medicare Number? Be careful! Scammers are selling fake and unauthorized at-home COVID-19 test kits in exchange for your personal or medical information. Do not give out your Medicare Number for COVID-19 test kits! Make sure to purchase FDA-approved COVID-19 test kits from legitimate providers. Over-the-counter or at-home tests are available for sale around the U.S. at many reputable and trustworthy retailers and pharmacies. Remember, each household in the U.S. can also have four free COVID-19 at-home tests shipped directly to their home at no cost. Visit COVIDtests.gov to order tests or learn more about testing. If you suspect fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE to report it.

  

Additional Links

SMP Vaccine Fraud Fact August

Missouri DHSS FAQs

CDC: Understanding mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines

CDC: FAQs about COVID-19 Vaccination

FDA: COVID-19 Vaccines Information

Novel Coronavirus Fact Sheet

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services