Geisinger Encourages Ordering Free, At-Home COVID-19 Tests

Geisinger is encouraging the community to take advantage of ordering free, at-home COVID-19 tests through the new federal website.

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests at CovidTests.gov and have them shipped right to their doorstep.

“COVID-19 testing is an essential tool in stopping the spread in our communities,” said Kurt J. Wrobel, Geisinger Health Plan president and executive vice president of insurance operations for Geisinger. “Over-the-counter tests can save you a trip to your doctor’s office, an urgent care clinic or a testing center. In fact, if you have mild or no symptoms, at-home testing is your most convenient and safest testing option, especially with the long wait times at urgent care clinics and testing centers. Due to high demand and limited supply, the easiest way to find at-home tests is through CovidTests.gov.”

Tests available through the federal website are rapid antigen at-home tests. They can be taken anywhere and give results within 30 minutes, with no lab drop-off required.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms or you’ve been around someone suspected or confirmed to have COVID — you meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines for testing. If you have mild or no symptoms, at-home tests are an appropriate first step.

If you test positive on your at-⁠home test, follow the latest CDC guidance for isolation. If you test negative, you should test again within a few days with at least 24 hours between tests.

Learn more in our Coronavirus Resource Center at geisinger.org/coronavirus.