Testing Information
At-Home Testing - How to Get Rapid Tests
There are no current sources of free COVID tests as of Spring 2025.
Local pharmacies carry a variety of at-home rapid tests.
Private Insurance
You will need to check with your insurance company to make sure that test kits (and how many) are covered. It may be useful to start with the following:
- Call the number on the back of your insurance card, or
- Use the Internet to search your insurance company and phrases like “Covid test reimbursement,” and “Covid test coverage.”
MassHealth and Medicare
If you have MassHealth, you can continue to get two over-the-counter rapid test kits each month (every 30 days) without prior authorization, although this is subject to change. To ensure that your rapid test kits are covered by MassHealth, bring test kits to the pharmacist, who will write a “prescription” for their coverage. You can do this at Big Y, CVS, Stop & Shop, and Walgreens.
Medicare Part B no longer covers over-the-counter rapid tests. It does still cover antigen and PCR tests that are ordered by a doctor and conducted in your doctor's office, clinic, or pharmacy.
If you have Medicare Advantage, you may still be able to get rapid tests covered by insurance. Bring the tests to the pharmacist, who can tell you if the tests are covered on your plan.
Extended Expiration Dates
Even if your rapid test kit is past its expiration date, the test may still be good to use. That’s because testing manufacturers are continually evaluating how long test kits give accurate results. The Food and Drug Administration has authorized longer expiration dates for many COVID test kits–even if what’s printed on the box is something different.
You can check to see if the expiration date has been extended on the FDA website’s list of extended expiration dates.
PCR Testing
Walgreens offers PCR testing. Most turnaround in 48 hours, but can change depending on increased demand and other factors, such as transmitting and processing delays during weekends, holidays or inclement weather. Sign up through the following link: https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/category/covid-19