Consumer Alert: Excellus BCBS makes it easy to get your free at-home COVID tests! Here’s how.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Good news for folks who have Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield. You can now get at-home COVID tests at in-network pharmacies without ever getting out your wallet.

Remember the Biden administration mandated your health insurer provide you eight at-home COVID tests per month for free. Last month I wrote a consumer alert after having researched the policies for three big health insurers in the Rochester area, Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, MVP and Fidelis.

For most area insurers you have to save your receipt, cut out the barcode, fill out a form, buy a stamp and mail it in to get a refund. But now Excellus members can go to an in-network pharmacy, take their insurance card to check-out, and walk out with a free test.

MVP has indicated that it’s working on a similar in-network collaboration with some pharmacies that would allow members to avoid the hassle of reimbursement but until then “members can check with the pharmacy to see if they can bill MVP up-front on the member’s behalf. If the member has to purchase these tests out of pocket, eligible members can submit for reimbursement for at-home covid tests using the form on our website here: www.mvphealthcare.com/covid,” said Michelle Golden, an MVP spokesperson.

On its website, Fidelis indicates it’s working with in-network pharmacies to provide convenience, but gives directions on how to get reimbursed.