In 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) created a program that distributed free CLIA waived COVID-19 test kits to assisted living communities and skilled nursing facilities. HHS recently announced that orders for test kits will not be accepted after June 3, 2025.
Now that HHS has stopped shipping free COVID-19 tests, many of you will be looking to order CLIA waived COVID-19 antigen or PCR tests. There are a couple of options:
- Order from your general supplier of medical supplies such as Medline, McKesson or Direct Supply; or
- Order from the manufacturer of CLIA waived COVID-19 tests such as Abbott, BD, or Quidel. To order directly you will need to reach their salesperson or check their website.
Another issue for consideration is using individual tests for COVID or for Flu or using combined testing for Flu and COVID. There are good arguments for either approach and maybe up to cost and convenience on the product you consider.
AHCA/NCAL understands the emotional and financial burden of this change for providers. We will continue to update providers with additional information when available.
If you have any questions regarding orders placed before June 3, 2025, please contact
tdx@hhs.org. For all other inquiries, please contact
covid19@ahca.org.