Blue Cross and BCN preferred pharmacy network available Feb. 1 for over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests
February 8, 2022Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are adding new options for
members who have our pharmacy coverage to get over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests.
Here are some key points:
•As we announced earlier, the federal government is offering four free tests to all
households at covidtests.gov.* We will continue to remind audiences of this availability.
• Blue Cross and BCN are launching a preferred pharmacy network for
over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests, effective Feb. 1, 2022. The network enables
commercial members with Blue Cross or BCN pharmacy coverage to obtain a number of
free COVID-19 tests when purchased in person at a preferred pharmacy. The preferred
COVID-19 test network includes Walmart, Rite Aid and Sam’s Club pharmacies.
Members must get the tests through the pharmacy counter by presenting their Blue
Cross or BCN ID card.
• For reimbursement of purchases at nonpreferred pharmacies, a new form will be
available at bcbsm.com on Feb. 1, 2022, that uses our pharmacy benefit manager to
process these claims. Commercial members with Blue Cross and BCN pharmacy
coverage will be able to use this form to apply online for reimbursement at $12 or the
cost of the test, whichever is lower.
How to find a preferred pharmacy
The preferred network for over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests will include pharmacies
within Walmart, Sam’s Club and Rite Aid stores. Beginning Feb. 1, 2022, new information will be
posted about the preferred network at bcbsm.com/coronavirus.
Groups without pharmacy benefits through Blue Cross and BCN are not eligible
Customer groups who do not have Blue Cross or BCN pharmacy benefits must work with their
own pharmacy benefit manager to set up a way to obtain tests. These customer groups should
be encouraged to communicate to their employees about how they can obtain a test at no cost
through their pharmacy benefit manager.
Additional information
• Tests must be authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
• Tests must be purchased on or after Feb. 1, 2022, to qualify for the preferred network.
• Up to eight qualifying at-home tests can be obtained per member each month.
• An order from a qualified health professional is not required to obtain over-the-counter,
at-home tests from one of the network pharmacies.
Please note
• Reimbursement does not apply for tests used for employment purposes.
• The new program does not include Medicare Advantage plans. Please visit the senior
COVID-19 site that we’ve created just for our Medicare members to learn about how
they can access COVID-19 testing in other ways.
• Some COVID-19 tests kits include two tests per box. Those kits would count as two
tests.
Blue Cross and BCN continue to pay for COVID-19 testing in other instances
• Blue Cross will still cover other types of COVID-19 diagnostic tests if they are FDA
authorized and ordered by a qualified health professional.
• Coverage is under the medical plan.
• This is also explained at bcbsm.com/coronavirus.
When to use COVID-19 test kits
Testing is an important tool to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Public health experts and
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that Americans use at-home tests if
they begin to have symptoms, at least five days after coming in close contact with someone who
has COVID-19 or are gathering indoors with a group of people who are unvaccinated or at risk
of severe disease
