The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will send out another round of free COVID-19 tests. In late September, people will be able to order four free at-home tests on the HHS website.
“The COVID-19 tests detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through the end of the year,” the department said in a statement on its website.
The free tests are being offered as health authorities expect a rise in COVID-19 cases during the winter months, which are typical for respiratory viruses.
The government has been offering free COVID-19 tests since the peak
the pandemic. According to HHS, more than 900 million tests have been distributed under the program.
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In addition to tests that can detect the latest COVID strains, new vaccines will also become available. The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved the release of updated vaccines. The vaccines target the KP.2 variant, which is a descendant of the JN.1 variant that was widespread in the U.S. last winter.
Unlike the tests, however, the vaccines will not necessarily be free. The federal government is no longer subsidizing Covid-19 vaccinations for all Americans. Instead, it is relying on private insurers to pay for the vaccines, similar to how insurance companies handle flu shots.
Low-income Americans can get free COVID-19 vaccinations through Medicaid. Local health departments can also help provide vaccinations to low-income residents.
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