Update: HealthPartners Has Clarified Participating Pharmacies for the No Cost COVID-19 Tests

We are aware that the following pharmacies are participating and can provide full coverage for the over-the-counter COVID-19 tests:

• Walmart
• Cub
• Allina
• Coborn’s
• Sam’s Club
• Rite Aid
• Hy-Vee
   

CVS and Walgreens have decided they will not be participating as one of the pharmacies that will submit claims to insurance companies for the member. If you purchase the tests from these pharmacies, you will have to manually submit the claim for reimbursement. 

No Cost COVID Tests for Those With SPPS Medical Insurance

In January, the federal government issued guidance that health insurance carriers are required to cover the cost of up to eight FDA-approved at-home tests per individual for COVID-19 every 30 days. Coverage became effective on Saturday, January 15, 2022, and will remain in place until the end of the public health emergency (currently expires in April of 2022).

One option for both HealthPartners and PEIP members on where and how to access your $0 COVID-19 over-the-counter (OTC) tests, is to now ask the pharmacy to run a claim immediately rather than submitting receipts. Members can go to a pharmacy counter and have these tests run as claims through their pharmacy benefit as they would for a regular prescription. 

• Pharmacies within a store may not be able to reimburse through the pharmacy system (for example, CVS pharmacies in Target), and some pharmacies have chosen not to participate. Those purchases will have to be submitted through a reimbursement process.

An additional option is through the CVS Pharmacy online experience:

• Go to cvs.com or the CVS Pharmacy mobile app, and click on “COVID-19 OTC tests”.
• Enter your zip code to be directed to the closest CVS pharmacy with inventory.
• Select OTC tests, and have tests run through your pharmacy benefits by entering details from your insurance card (BIN, PCN, Group Member ID).
• Receive confirmation of OTC test availability, and within an hour, pick up the tests at the front of the retail store. Orders not picked up within 72 hours will be canceled. Note: Members cannot collect their tests via a drive-through.

For HealthPartners members (Non-PEIP):

• Members also have the ability to submit receipts online. You will need to log into your HealthPartners online account, answer details, and submit a photo of the receipt and/or UPC information. 
• Member Services is also available for questions: 1-800-883-2177.

For PEIP members (Including Blue Cross and Blue Shield, HealthPartners, and PreferredOne):

Members should contact CVS Caremark for reimbursement eligibility questions and instructions. Call the customer care phone number listed on your CVS Caremark Rx ID card: 1-844-205-8475.