Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Health Insurance FAQs – Harvard University Student Health Program

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Last updated on November 14, 2023.

Coverage for COVID-19 At-Home Test Kits

In line with the guidance, we will cover up to eight self-administered at-home COVID tests per member per month for personal, diagnostic use, without cost-share and without any need for prior clinical assessment.

Beginning on September 25, 2023, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Visit https://www.covid.gov/tests for more information.

Starting January 1, 2024, COVID-19 tests will no longer be covered, aligning with how other over-the-counter products are already managed. See the table below:

Timeline	COVID Home Test Kit Benefit
May 12 through December 31, 2023.	Eight test kits per member per month with no cost-sharing.
Starting January 1, 2024	Test kits are no longer covered; member must pay out of pocket.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Pharmacy Benefits Through December 31, 2023

You can get FDA-authorized, at-home COVID-19 tests at no cost when you purchase them at an in-network pharmacy or order them through CVS.com. You also have the option to get reimbursed for tests that you’ve paid for at another retailer or out-of-network pharmacy. You and your enrolled dependents can receive coverage for up to eight at-home FDA-approved COVID test kits each per 30-day period through your Student Health Insurance Plan pharmacy benefit. Early refills/reimbursements will not be covered. A full 30-day period must have elapsed before a member is eligible for additional test kits.

Three Ways to Get At-Home COVID-19 Tests

1. Retail Pharmacy

You can purchase the tests at any in-network participating pharmacy, show your Blue Cross Blue Shield ID card when you check out at the pharmacy counter (not the regular checkout lane), and the tests should ring up at no cost to you.

Find an In-Network Participating Pharmacy

To find an in-network participating pharmacy, follow the steps below:

Visit the MyBlue App and log into your account. If you do not already have an account with MyBlue App, you will need to create an account.
Select the “My Medication” tab from the menu or at the bottom of your phone
Under “Pharmacy Programs”
Click on the pop-up message stating, “You are now leaving the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts site” pop-up window
You will be redirected to the Pharmacy Programs website
At the top right of the page, click Pharmacy Locator

Note: Some pharmacies are not aware that your insurance company still has coverage for the COVID-19 tests. If the pharmacy tells you there is no coverage for the tests through December 31, 2023, please ask them to run your request through your pharmacy benefits because your plan does have coverage through this date.

2. Over-the-Counter CVS.com Delivery

If you are having an issue ordering test kits through the CVS.com website, please contact the pharmacy at the location you would like to pick them up and ask the pharmacy to process your request. If you end up paying for the tests, please see the next section for reimbursement.

To have COVID-19 test kits shipped to your address, you must order them online through the CVS Pharmacy website (CVS.com).

To order over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits online for shipping through the CVS Pharmacy website (CVS.com):
- Log on to CVS.com; if you do not already have an account, you will need to register
- On the home page, click the menu in the upper left corner, then navigate to the following:
  - “Health” from the drop-down
  - ‘COVID-19’
  - ‘Learn About At-Home Tests’
  - Select the red button: ‘Request At-Home COVID-19 Tests’
- Then Answer three questions:
  - Are you a Medicare or Medicaid Member: answer “no” if you are not
  - How do you want to get your at-home COVID-19 tests kits: select option (pick up in-store or delivery)
  - How many at-home test kits do you need? Select option (8, 6, 4, or 2)
- Submit and continue
- Review pharmacies with pickup available (if not shipping)
- Answer who the tests are for (self or someone else)
- Enter address and submitter information and submit/continue
- Provide BCBSMA insurance information/member ID
  - ID Number: Enter your 9-digit Blue Cross Blue Shield ID number (IMPORTANT: do not include the prefix “HVA” or the system will not accept the order)
  - BIN: 004336
  - PCN: ADV
  - GROUP: RX22MA
- After the review page, submit the request

Important to note: You cannot fill regular mail-order prescriptions through CVS.com. This is strictly to order COVID-19 tests only.

3. Submit a Reimbursement: Paid by Checkout at a Participating Pharmacy

Reimbursement Process:

If you purchased an at-home COVID test and need to submit it for reimbursement, you will need to file for reimbursement and include a copy of your receipt. You will be reimbursed up to $12 per test ($24 per two-pack). Save your receipts, as they will need to be attached to the claim form.
When filling out this form, select “Other” under the “Reason I am filing this form is:”
Enter “COVID-19 tests” under “Other”

COVID-19 Vaccine and Boosters Update

For more information on HUHS Vaccine and Booster Clinics, please visit the HUHS vaccine information webpage.

Will the vaccine and booster be covered by my Student Health Insurance Plan?

When receiving the vaccine at participating retail pharmacies, please present your BCBSMA ID number.

Will the vaccine be covered by my Student Health Fee if done at HUHS?

Yes. Vaccines and boosters administered by HUHS to Student Health Fee members will be covered at no cost.

Does the Student Health Insurance Plan cover the COVID-19 antibody test?

If you are enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan, you will be covered for the COVID-19 antibody test when the following conditions are met:

The test is ordered for medical reasons (e.g., you exhibited signs of the illness; however, you had not been tested for the illness)
The test is ordered by a network physician
The test is performed by a network lab

Consult with your physician to determine if they recommend that you be tested.

Note: the test will not be covered if it is ordered for administrative reasons (e.g., return to work/school/public health study) or for travel purposes.

Important: If you are currently out of state and the ordering provider is not located in your current state, please contact BCBS at (800) 810-2583 for a list of network labs.