As home antigen tests provide easy access and availability to testing, please be advised of the following.
Self-administered antigen tests (home kits) are best used for:
Pre-arrival to campus or as part of readiness for travel. Use two tests 24-48 hours apart (called serial testing) to confirm you are negative.
Confirmation of COVID-19 (positive test result), if accompanied by symptoms.
Personal use: At-home tests may be useful when planning gatherings or private events.
Obtaining Home Antigen Tests
Antigen Test Reimbursement through Health Insurance Plans
On January 10, the Biden Administration finalized guidance requiring all group health plans and health insurers to cover over the counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests without member cost share effective January 15, 2022.
Faculty and Staff: Covered Benefit through Health Insurance (Reimbursement)
Faculty and staff covered by a USC health plan are now able to purchase over-the-counter (OTC), including at-home, COVID-19 tests authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at no cost without a prescription. Please note that the FFCRA applies to most insurance plans; if you are not covered by a USC plan, check with your insurance company for details. The reimbursement of OTC COVID-19 tests will remain in effect until the Public Health Emergency (PHE) is rescinded. That date has not been announced. Visit the applicable health plan page below for specific details.
USC Students:
Antigen kits are available at the Customer Service Centers in USC Housing.
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP, provided through Aetna, Pharmacy Benefit)
For students covered through USC Student Health SHIP program, the plan administrator is developing a convenient direct coverage arrangement that allows plan members to obtain OTC tests without an up-front payment. This plan is in development with participating retail pharmacy networks. To position the pharmacy network for the direct coverage arrangement, OTC tests covered under the pharmacy benefit.
- Coverage for OTC tests is under your pharmacy benefit
- OTC tests no longer require a physician’s order
- The quantity limit for OTC tests is 8 tests per member every 30 days
- Kits may be obtained through the Aetna network of pharmacy providers
US Postal Service: Antigen Kits Mailed to Residential Addresses (PLEASE NOTE, as of 12/15/22 this program has been reinstated.)
Antigen tests also available from the federal government, through the US Postal Service. Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of four (4) free at-home tests .
College students residing on or off campus may request free testing kits. Students with shared housing addresses (residence halls, apartment buildings, group housing) should each enter their unique room or apartment number, and/or letter A, B, C, D, etc. along with their street address on the ordering form (or via phone). Students with unreliable or no internet access may call 1-800-232-0233 to request free at-home COVID-19 testing kits. If your mailing request was rejected by the USPS due to shared housing addresses, call USPS Customer Service at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).