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    Here are the latest COVID-19 testing options available to you, including how to get an at-home test

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    AllWays Health Partners remains committed to ensuring access for our members to critical health care services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As testing is a crucial component in preventing the spread of COVID-19, we aim to provide a variety of options to make COVID-19 testing available to our members. Continue reading to learn more about testing opportunities available at no cost to you in accordance with new federal guidance.

    Table of contents:

     

    When to be tested for COVID-19

    Who should be tested for COVID-19?

    • People who have symptoms of COVID-19
      • Fever or chills
      • Cough
      • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
      • Fatigue
      • Muscle or body aches
      • Headache
      • New loss of taste or smell
      • Sore throat
      • Congestion or runny nose
      • Nausea or vomiting
      • Diarrhea

    The COVID-19 viruses and the clinical cases occurring January 2022 have many common features but some differences compared to those from March 2020. Read about variants of the virus here:

    • People who have come into close contact with someone with COVID-19 should be tested to check for infection at least five days after they last had close contact with someone with COVID-19. The date of the last close contact is considered day 0.
      • Watch for symptoms until 10 days after you last had close contact with someone with COVID-19. If you develop symptoms, isolate immediately and get tested. Continue to stay home until you know the results—and wear a well-fitted mask around others.
    • People who are not up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines who are prioritized for expanded community screening for COVID-19.
    • People regardless of vaccination status, who have been asked or referred to get testing by their school, workplace, healthcare provider, state, tribal, local, or territorial health department.

    Who should not be tested for COVID-19?

    • People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past three months and recovered, as long as they do not develop new symptoms, do not need to get tested.

    When to seek emergency medical attention

    When to seek emergency medical attention:

    • Trouble breathing
    • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
    • New confusion
    • Inability to wake or stay awake
    • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

    *This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

    Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

    How to get tested for COVID-19 

    Testing sites: If you need to get tested for COVID-19, there are testing sites located across Massachusetts. These sites include rapid antigen tests and PCR tests. Visit Get Tested MA on Mass.gov for the latest guidance on COVID-19 testing and how to find a testing location near you. 

    At-home testing: COVID-19 home and over-the-counter tests are one of many risk-reduction measures, along with vaccination, masking, and physical distancing, that protect you and others by reducing the chances of spreading COVID-19.

    1. Order at-home tests online for free

    Whether you’re an AllWays Health Partners member or not, you are eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests through the US Postal Service. Please note these are rapid antigen (not PCR) tests.

    Steps to order your at-home tests:

    • Visit covidtests.gov
    • Complete the form with your contact and shipping information
    • Get your at-home test kit, which comes with four tests, mailed to you directly at the address you provide (Note there is a limit of 1 test kit per residential address)
    1. Obtain your at-home test from your local pharmacy for free

    If you are a member of AllWays Health Partners with a pharmacy benefit, you are covered for eight FDA approved, at-home COVID tests per month.

    Commercial members:

    No-cost in-store purchase

    • Visit the pharmacy counter at your local participating retail pharmacy, including CVS Pharmacy®, independent pharmacies, and chains like Walgreens® and Rite Aid®.
    • Bring your insurance card and get your at-home test at no cost to you.
      • If your pharmacy isn’t able to process, you can submit for reimbursement, details below under reimbursement.

    No-cost delivery option

    • Many pharmacies also offer delivery or shipping directly to homes. Contact your pharmacy directly to see if this is an available option.

    Reimbursement

    • Visit your local pharmacy or order online to purchase a COVID-19 at-home test. (Remember to save a copy of your receipt)
    • Submit for reimbursement through Caremark by signing in or registering at Caremark.com
    • Upload your proof of purchase; this can be a digital receipt or photo of a paper receipt. Please note that reimbursements will be up to $12 per individual test ( $24 for box of 2 tests).

    MyCareFamily:

    My Care Family members can receive up to eight FDA-approved at-home COVID-19 tests through network retail pharmacies in Massachusetts. My Care Family members should visit the pharmacy counter for more information on obtaining a MassHealth covered test at no cost.

     

    Employers whose pharmacy benefit is not covered through AllWays Health Partners may have different processes in place for their members and should consult with their pharmacy benefits manager.

    For the latest updates, please visit our COVID-19 Resource Center.
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