How do I get a COVID test reimbursement?

In early December 2021, the White House announced that, starting January 15, 2022, Americans will be able to seek reimbursement from their health insurer for at-home COVID-19 tests. 

This is welcome news, especially as the Omicron variant causes COVID cases to surge across the US and home test price controls expire. 

But what does this really mean? How do you take advantage of this new reimbursement program and what information do you need to have on hand? 

As always, Marble has your back. That’s why they pay us the big bucks! (Metaphorically, of course.). 

Which at-home COVID-19 tests will be covered? 

While we can’t say anything for 100% certain until there is further guidance, the FDA list of Emergency Use Authorization at-home tests is a great starting point.

Okay, so now let’s get that claim going!
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First step — Gather your documents:  

This is insurance after all, so it’s safe to say that we’ll start with: paperwork. (And shameless plug here: a great place to keep all that paperwork organized is Marble. Create your free account today!) So let’s start by gathering together the documents and information you’ll need to submit a reimbursement claim.

For most health insurance providers, you will need: 

• The receipt showing your purchase of an home COVID-19 test 
• If you are missing the receipt, you will likely need some other proof of purchase (for instance, a credit or debit card statement could work).
• While guidance is not 100% clear yet, it is likely you will need a prescription or confirmation from a doctor that you needed the test. You may be able to get this via a telehealth visit or a call to your primary care physician. It is not clear yet that this is totally necessary for reimbursement, and you may be able to receive reimbursement without this step completed. 
• Finally, you will likely need to complete a claims reimbursement form.

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Second step - Find your form: 

Okay, so let’s find the right claims reimbursement form. We’ve collected the links to claims forms for some of the largest US health insurers below. (Are we missing one? Let us know!) 

• Aetna
• Anthem
• Cigna
• Humana
• If you have a BlueCross BlueShield policy, you will want to visit the specific website for your individual provider.  
  

Third step - Complete the form: 

Alright, let’s fill 👏 out 👏 that 👏 form 👏. For this step, you'll need your insurance policy number. You can usually find this on your health insurance card or via your health insurance company's website. And if you're a Marble member, you can quickly grab it from your Marble wallet. 

Next you will want to complete the form, following the instructions provided.

• Many claims forms request a “reason” (or something similar) for the services. Some people have successfully filed for reimbursement for at-home COVID-19 tests while leaving this section blank, so if you are not able to complete this section, you should still proceed. 
• Review the form and if you can, make a copy. Also feel free to store a copy in your secure Marble wallet. 

‍Fourth step - Put it all together: 

Combine the claims form and the receipt or other proof of purchase (you will want to copy this as well, or take a photo). Next, you'll want to:

• Determine how your health insurance company receives claims. While most now will accept reimbursement claims via their online portals, some still require fax (eye roll) or even mail (mind blown).
• Submit your claim and keep your copy somewhere safe (like Marble!) 
• Set a calendar reminder for 30 days so you don’t forget to check that you received reimbursement. If you haven’t, follow-up with your insurer! 
  

The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful and scary, and we here at Marble want to help make any part of it we can easier for you! We hope you found these instructions helpful. And if you want a secure, digital method to keep all your household policies organized (while earning rewards for insurance!), join the Marble community.