HHS Discontinues Free COVID-19 Test Kit Program (SNF/AL)

In 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) created a program that distributed free COVID-19 test kits to assisted living communities and skilled nursing facilities. HHS recently announced that the department stopped taking orders for these test kits in June 2025. Instead, facilities looking to order CLIA-waived COVID-19 antigen or PCR tests can:  

1. Order from your general medical supplies vendor such as Medline, McKesson or Direct Supply; or  
2. Order from the manufacturer of CLIA-waived COVID-19 tests such as Abbott, BD or Quidel. To order directly you will need to reach their salesperson or check their website.