SHIP now covers at-home COVID testing kits

April 10, 2022

Over-the-Counter (OTC) COVID-19 Testing Coverage 

Effective May 12, 2023, OTC COVID-19 testing is no longer covered and members will pay the retail cost.

For purchases made between January 15, 2022, and May 11, 2023, members may submit a claim for reimbursement within one year from the purchase date. See below for reimbursement instructions. 

  • SHIP/Wellfleet will cover over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests without a doctor's order limited to eight tests per calendar month per covered member with no member cost share. FDA-approved COVID-19 take-home test kits purchased at local pharmacies and retailers are eligible for insurance reimbursement. (Note: OTC tests with a doctor's order have no limit.)

Reimbursement Requirement

To be eligible for reimbursement the following must apply:

  • Must have been purchased on or after January 15, 2022
  • Must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration
  • Must be purchased for personal use
  • Must not be for employment purposes
  • Has not been (and will not be) reimbursed by another source
  • Not for resale

Reimbursement Process

By mail

  1. Complete and sign the COVID-19 OTC Test Reimbursement Form.
  2. Submit the reimbursement form with the following documentation:
  • Receipt from the seller, documenting the date of purchase and price
  • UPC label from the COVID-19 test box 

   3. Keep copies of your original documents for your files as originals will not be returned.

Online:

  1. Visit Wellfleet's website and create or log into your account.
  2. From the homepage, click on "Forms".
  3. On the left side, select "COVID Test".
  4. Complete the form and submit the following documentation:
  • Receipt from the seller, documenting the date of purchase and price
  • UPC label from the COVID-19 test box

If you don't have SHIP

Contact your health insurance to see how they will be processing reimbursements for at-home COVID tests. 

Questions

If you have any questions, please message the SHIP office through the eTang portal. You may also call (510) 642-5700 or email ship@berkeley.edu