Can You Still Get Free COVID-19 Tests in 2025?
For a while, it felt normal to have free COVID-19 tests show up right at your doorstep. The federal government’s mail-order program allowed households to order up to four test kits at no charge, and delivery was included. But that program has now ended, and the website where people used to order those kits no longer works. So, the big question is: can you still get free COVID-19 tests in 2025?
The answer is yes, but it looks a little different than before. While the nationwide government program isn’t active anymore, some opportunities remain. Depending on your insurance provider, at-home tests might still be covered when purchased at a pharmacy. And in Ohio, for example, the Department of Health has partnered with local health departments, community health centers, and even public libraries to make tests available at no cost. If you need one, it’s recommended that you reach out to your local library or health department first to check availability.
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Of course, you can always buy tests from a retail pharmacy, but insurance coverage has become less consistent. Ohio Medicaid no longer covers at-home kits, so individuals may need to rely on private insurance or pay out of pocket.
This conversation is happening as COVID-19 activity is showing signs of climbing again. In Ohio, nearly 300 people were hospitalized in the weeks leading up to September 6, 2025. That’s an increase from the prior reporting period. Overall, the state has recorded more than 3.4 million cases and over 40,000 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic. On a national level, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that COVID-19 is no longer among the top 10 leading causes of death, with rates in 2024 dropping to levels similar to what was seen before the pandemic began. Still, local surges remind us the virus has not disappeared.
Another piece of the picture is symptoms. These can change depending on the variant and even on a person’s vaccination status. Commonly reported signs of illness include fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, or a loss of taste and smell. Because the list is broad and overlaps with other seasonal viruses like the flu and RSV, health officials continue to encourage testing.
The CDC advises anyone who feels sick to stay home and avoid exposing others until they can get tested. If someone does test positive, medical treatment options are available, and early care can reduce the risk of serious illness.
So, while free COVID-19 test kits may no longer land in your mailbox automatically, they haven’t completely gone away. Whether through local health resources, insurance coverage, or a quick stop at the pharmacy, testing remains a tool people can use to protect themselves and their communities.
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