Heading into the fall respiratory virus season, providers can still obtain free COVID-19 tests through the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Abbott BinaxNOW Test Kit Program.

• Both skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities with an active CLIA waiver are eligible to continue to receive or are eligible to receive free monthly shipments of Abbott BinaxNOW over the counter (OTC) COVID-19 test kits. AHCA/NCAL anticipates this program will continue through the fall of 2025.

Why it matters: CDC guidance requires anyone with even mild symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested.

• More information and detailed guidance can be found on CDC’s Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel.    

How the program works: Shipments can be started and stopped, and test quantities can be increased or decreased by emailing TDX@hhs.gov. Please note that it may take a week or two to update the shipping information. The email must include: 

• Name of the facility 
• Facility address 
• CLIA waiver number 
• Request (stop, start, increase, decrease) 

The exact expiration dates for the tests can be found on the FDA website​.     

Keep in mind: If you have an influx of test kits and are not sure how to use them, since the tests are OTC, you can provide them to visitors, staff, or residents for their personal use as well.

Questions? Email TDX@hhs.gov for questions related to the HHS BinaxNOW Distribution Program.