Testing for COVID-19 is the key for maintaining the health and safety of the IU community during the pandemic. Employees and family members enrolled in an IU-sponsored medical plan have multiple testing options available, including no-cost coverage for at-home over-the-counter tests. Here is what you need to know about your options:

Free at-home tests through the government

Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of four free at-home COVID-19 tests by visiting CovidTests.gov.

Free testing through IU

IU offers multiple options for symptomatic and asymptomatic testing for students and employees. Learn more by visiting IU’s Testing for COVID-19 website.

Free in-person testing at your doctor’s office or local community testing location

In-network testing for COVID-19 is covered at 100% under IU-sponsored medical plans. This means that all copays, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs for the test to diagnose COVID-19 and the visit associated with the test are waived.

All Hoosiers also have access to free COVID-19 testing in the community. Visit the Indiana State Department of Health COVID-19 Testing website to find a testing location near you.

Free at-home OTC test coverage

At-home OTC COVID-19 tests purchased on or after Jan. 15, 2022, are covered under IU-sponsored medical plans. Each covered member is eligible for up to eight at-home OTC tests per month, meaning a family of four would be eligible for up to 32 tests per month.

Members have the following options for coverage through the CVS Caremark pharmacy benefit:

• Pay $0 up front at a network pharmacy. Visit a CVS Caremark network pharmacy such as CVS, Walmart, Target, Kroger or Sam’s, present your ID card at the pharmacy counter, and ask to have your OTC at-home COVID-19 test submitted to your plan for coverage.
• Pay $0 up front when you order through CVS.com or the CVS Pharmacy app for in-store pickup. Follow this simple process to order your test kits online. Once your order is ready, CVS will send you an email or text to let you know they are ready for pickup.
• Purchase a test and submit an electronic form for reimbursement. Eligible at-home OTC COVID-19 tests purchased on or after Jan. 15, 2022, from any retail or online store are eligible for reimbursement up to $12. Follow these steps to submit your request.
• Purchase a test and submit a paper form for reimbursement. Eligible at-home OTC COVID-19 tests purchased on or after Jan. 15, 2022, from any retail or online store are eligible for reimbursement up to $12. Complete a paper claim form and submit it directly to CVS Caremark with the required documentation. Note that you will receive your reimbursement more quickly if you submit your claim electronically.

This coverage applies to active employees, COBRA participants, graduate appointees, medical and optometry residents, and retirees under age 65 covered on an IU-sponsored medical plan. The covered spouse and dependent children of these individuals are also eligible for this coverage.

For more information and frequently asked questions, visit the IU Benefits and COVID-19 website.