It’s very disappointing that our government has ended the Home Test to Treat program —which was designed to reduce disparities for the most at-risk populations!  

This wonderful NIH-sponsored pilot program allowed people who are uninsured or have Medicaid, Medicare, or Indian Health Service or VA coverage to enroll for FREE tests, telehealth and treatment for both COVID and flu (LUCIRA® by Pfizer COVID-19 & Flu Home Test). In addition, anyone in the U.S. testing positive for COVID or flu, regardless of their insurance, could also ask for free telehealth care and at-home treatment.

In 2022, though the number of nonelderly uninsured individuals dropped, 25.6 million were still uninsured in the U.S. Based on the U.S. Census, nearly 63 million have Medicaid (18.8 percent), 62 million have Medicare (18.7 percent), and 3.3 million have VA and CHAMPVA coverage (1 percent). In addition, according to reports from the US Government Accountability office, 2.8 million individuals rely on the Indian Health Service for care.

If Home Test to Treat were made into a permanent program, over 100 million people will meet the enrollment requirement. Timely diagnosis and antivirals without leaving home prevent severe sickness and transmission of highly contagious pathogens! This program can help address the Long Covid Crisis, which is negatively impacting the health of an estimated 22 million Americans, including 5.8 million children today.

NIBIB program director Andrew Weitz, Ph.D. stated that approximately 63,000 people have enrolled in this pilot program. These enrollees, uninsured or underinsured, have limited access to healthcare, cannot afford diagnostic tools and treatment.

If our government is sincere about protecting Americans’ health, Home Test to Treat should be restored, expanded and widely promoted as a critical layer of protection for ALL! Tell the Biden Administration and all government officials that we want to save this life-saving program!