Senior News Line: Free COVID tests available again

Here we go again. Another winter, another COVID variant. This one is called XEC, and it’s emerging as a common one right now, taking over from variant KP.3.1.1.

It’s time to get out those at-home COVID test kits and keep them handy. The problem with the test kits is that all the free kits we’ve ordered the past few years are now expired and don’t have any additional extension dates.

Some of us, to keep the tests on hand at home, have spent a lot of money at the drug stores to buy some.

Now, thankfully, the government is releasing millions of kits from their stockpile to be sent out for free to those who want them.

If you’d like to order free test kits, don’t delay. Go online to CovidTests.gov and, as in prior years, you can sign up to receive four test kits. Those will be delivered by the Post Office.

Brace yourself when you receive your test kits — the expiration dates will likely have come and gone.

However, they’ve already extended the dates for all the test kits they’re sending out right now. The dates won’t be far out, but should get you through several months of testing.

To check the expiration dates of the tests you receive, go back to the CovidTests.gov ordering site and click on “FDA’s list of extended expiration dates.” Scroll down to find your tests and mark the box with the new expiration dates.

We’re told that the older tests kits will still be effective on the current COVID variations that are out there now.

If you or a family member should test positive and wonder how you’ll pay for treatment, scroll down that same CovidTests.gov page and see the link to available treatment options and the patient assistance programs.

Stay healthy!