OSP News

Blue Cross Blue Shield and Blue Care Network Members Can Get COVID-19 Rapid At-Home Tests

Posted: 02/01/2022

As announced earlier, the federal government is offering four free tests to all households. The Blues will continue to remind members of this availability.

More options are now available for employees with pharmacy coverage seeking COVID-19 over the counter at-home tests from covidtests.gov.

In-person at Walmart, Rite Aid and Sam’s Club pharmacies

  • Starting February 1, 2022, employees with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) and Blue Care Network (BCN) pharmacy benefits can obtain free, over the counter COVID-19 tests in-person at a new at-home testing preferred pharmacy network.
  • The preferred network includes pharmacies within Walmart, Rite Aid and Sam’s Club stores.
  • Members must get tests at the pharmacy counter and present their Blue Cross or BCN member ID card.
  • On February 1, the Blue will post new information about the preferred pharmacy network at bcbsm.com/coronavirus.
  • Employees with an active online member account will receive a Blue Cross email to help them understand how to access the preferred pharmacy network.

From non-preferred pharmacies

Starting February 1, the Blue’s pharmacy benefit manager will reimburse your employees up to $12 per test for purchases at non-preferred pharmacies.

Additional information

  • While a pharmacy network is the most cost-efficient approach, they anticipate that service fees may apply if your group is self-funded. The Blue’s negotiated with pharmacy partners, and they’ll update you when more details are available.
  • Each member can obtain up to eight qualifying, FDA-authorized at-home tests every month. Some test kits include two tests per box. Those kits would count as two tests.
  • To qualify for the preferred network, tests must be obtained on or after February 1, 2022.
  • An order from a qualified health professional isn’t required to obtain over the counter at‑home tests from the preferred network.
  • Blue Cross and BCN continues to pay for diagnostic laboratory tests if they’re FDA authorized and ordered by a qualified health professional. Coverage is under the medical plan.
  • Reimbursement doesn’t apply for tests used for employment purposes.
  • The new program doesn’t include retiree-only or Medicare plans. The senior COVID-19 site shows Medicare members how they can access COVID-19 testing in other ways.
  • They’re working on resources to help you communicate with your employees about these changes. They’ll post them to the COVID-19 employer toolkit soon.

COVID-19 information changes quickly
For the most up-to-date guidance, visit the “Employers & Agents” tab on bcbsm.com/coronavirus.

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