What to know about over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 tests

We’re here to help keep you informed about how to get over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID-19 tests. Review the information here to learn about OTC at-home COVID-19 testing options that may be available to you.

OTC at-home COVID-19 test coverage

Sierra Health and Life Individual and Employer Group health plan members: Recent updates to Federal guidelines may allow you to purchase COVID-19 tests at little or no cost during the national public health emergency period.

Over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 tests

As a new part of your benefits, Sierra Health and Life now covers FDA-authorized over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID-19 diagnostic tests purchased on or after January 15, 2022. This benefit includes up to 8 tests per member every calendar month and will be available to you through the public health emergency period.

For information on where to find at-home tests, how to submit for reimbursement and more, read on.

There are five ways to get OTC at-home COVID-19 tests:

Go to an in-store pharmacy counter at a Sierra Health and Life Preferred Retailer

You can get OTC at-home COVID-19 test(s) at no out-of-pocket cost if you:
- Purchase at an in-store pharmacy counter from one of our Preferred Retailer's, and
- Show your member ID card.
A Preferred Retailer is a pharmacy that SHL has made arrangements with to provide OTC at-home COVID-19 tests with no out-of-pocket cost to you.

Below is the list of the Preferred Retailers to help you find a convenient location. Sierra Health and Life is working to add more Preferred Retailers, so please check back again if you don’t see a retailer with an in-store pharmacy counter located near you.

Before you go to a Preferred Retailer, be sure to check their website or mobile app for test availability and store hours.
- Walgreens (includes Duane Reade locations)
- Walmart Pharmacy
- Sam's Club
  - You may still purchase OTC at-home COVID-19 tests at the in-store Sam’s Club pharmacy counter without a Sam’s Club membership. Only Sam’s Club members can make purchases at a front-of-store checkout.
- Rite Aid Pharmacy
- Bartell Drugs
- Kinney Drugs
From the Optum Store

Sierra Health and Life members can order directly from the Optum Store.

Sign in to the Online Member Center and select Care Options.
Click on OptumRx to get to your OptumRx account or create an OptumRx account.
Once logged in to your personalized OptumRx account, navigate to the section titled "Get at-home COVID-19 tests with $0 Copay*" and click the Order Now button.
After selecting the default test on the store's site, you will be directed to create an Optum Store account to complete the transaction. Once you create a username and password, you can proceed to check out. To receive free shipping, select at least 2 test kits with your order.
- Note: Orders placed through the Optum Store are counted toward the limit of 8 tests per member per month.

Visit any in-store or online retailer
You can get reimbursed for purchasing a COVID-19 test by submitting your receipt through the Online Member Center.
- Maximum reimbursement of up to $12 per test
- Many COVID-19 tests are sold as a 2-pack kit and would be reimbursed at a maximum of $24 per kit (up to $12 for each test)
Find COVID-19 testing in Nevada at Nevada Health Response.
Get free OTC at-home COVID-19 tests through the Federal government
- Each household can order free OTC at-home tests through the Federal government. These tests are shipped directly from covidtests.gov.

Click here for information on COVID-19 Testing and Treatment Coverage.

Should I report my OTC at-home COVID-19 test result?

If you wish to do so, you may voluntarily report your COVID-19 test results to public health agencies by visiting MakeMyTestCount.org. Better counts of COVID-19 at-home test results will help COVID-19 public health efforts. MakeMyTestCount.org is a third-party website and UnitedHealthcare will not have access to the information submitted nor is it responsible for the security of the site.