Two Free COVID Test Options : Online Is The Easiest Option

A close up of a cell with viruses inside


Americans can now get free at-home COVID-19 tests, either by ordering online or buying them at the store and getting reimbursed by private insurance.  Ordering them online at COVIDTests.gov is by far the easiest way.  I went in and filled out the form online and ordered four tests for free and the process was easy (although the tests have yet to arrive).  Those with private health insurance can also buy the tests at their local drugstore and applying for reimbursement from their private insurer or Medicare Advantage Plan if they cover it (Medicare does not cover this).  However, this can be a complicated process.  Anyone who has tried to file a claim themselves with an insurance company knows that the process is very slow and can be painful.  Reimbursement policies differ by insurance carrier so if four at-home tests will tide you over for the month, that is by far your best bet.

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-finance/covid-test-kits-purchase-reimbursement-insurance/?tid=newsletter-dailydozen&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=dailydozen&cdlcid=607e1442fe2c195e916f3bb4

Free N95 Masks Coming Soon To A Drugstore Near You

A man wearing a mask with yellow warning tape around his mouth.


The Biden administration is expected to begin distributing a whopping 400 million free N95 masks to Americans all over the country.  The masks are coming from the Strategic National Stockpile and will be distributed via local pharmacies and community health centers.  The number of masks being distributed comprise about half of our National Stockpile.

 

President Biden To Require Insurers To Pay For At Home COVID-19 Tests

A cvs pharmacy store front with the door ajar.


The White House has announced that private health insurers will soon have to cover the cost of in-home COVID-19 tests, as long as they are authorized, cleared or approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).  The new policy, which starts on Saturday, would allow for eight free tests per month.  “We are requiring insurers and group health plans to make tests free for millions of Americans.  This is all part of our overall strategy to ramp-up access to easy-to-use, at home tests at no cost,†Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a news release.  This is great news, because there are many people who have been vaccinated and had a booster which have been tested positive with the new strain of coronavirus which is spreading rapidly.

Monterey, CA COVID vaccine not ready for the general population but testing is

A man wearing a mask with yellow warning tape around his mouth.


Although the initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are targeted towards health care workers, anyone can get a coronavirus test and it is free.  See the below sites, which have COVID-19 testing from Tuesday through Saturday all day (from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.).

Soledad High School Drive Through at 425 Gabilan Drive in Soledad

Castroville Library at 11160 Speegle Street

Cesar Chavez Library at 615 Williams Road in Salinas

Seaside High School at 2200 Noche Buena Street

Make an appointment at https://lhi.care/covidtestin or call 1-888-634-1123.

Walk ins are welcome from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

 

Carmel Valley Angel Project Offering Seniors Free Thanksgiving Dinner

A table filled with lots of food and candles.


The Carmel Valley Angel Project, a group of volunteers which organizes holiday meals and gifts for those in need will offer a free Thanksgiving dinner to anyone residing in Carmel Valley.  Local Chef Michael Jones and his staff will cook, all you have to do is pick up the meal between 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on November 26 at the community center at 25 Ford Road.  Please reserve your free tickets online at www.eventbrite.com or call 659-5639.  If you need your meal delivered, just leave a message at 659-5639.  Donations to help this event are gladly accepted at www.cvangelproject.org.

 

 

Carmel Valley Angel Project Offering Seniors Free Thanksgiving Dinner


The Carmel Valley Angel Project, a group of volunteers which organizes holiday meals and gifts for those in need will offer a free Thanksgiving dinner to anyone residing in Carmel Valley.  Local Chef Michael Jones and his staff will cook, all you have to do is pick up the meal between 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on November 26 at the community center at 25 Ford Road.  Please reserve your free tickets online at www.eventbrite.com or call 659-5639.  If you need your meal delivered, just leave a message at 659-5639.  Donations to help this event are gladly accepted at www.cvangelproject.org.