Biden says Americans can order more COVID tests from the government starting next week

Americans will be able to order more free coronavirus tests from the government starting next week, President Joe Biden announced during Tuesday's State of the Union address.

"Even if you already ordered free tests, tonight, I am announcing that you can order more from covidtests.gov starting next week," Biden said, adding the government has made hundreds of millions of tests available for free.

Americans were able to start ordering the free tests from the Covidtests.gov website on Jan. 18.

The initial program allowed for four free tests per residential address, regardless of how many lived in a household.

The government website's frequently asked questions were also updated Tuesday with this message: "Starting next week, every home in the U.S. will be able to order an additional set of 4 tests."

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When the government website began some Americans, particularly those living in apartment and condo buildings with multiple units at a single address, had difficulty placing orders online.

The government set up a hotline for those having problems placing orders online.

Ordering USPS COVID test kits

A credit card isn't needed to order the tests on the government site and there is no cost. Once ordered, tests are expected to be mailed within seven to 12 days.

The tests are part of the Biden administration's purchase of 500 million tests announced in December.

What is the COVIDtests.gov phone number?

The hotline is 1-800-232-0233 or TTY 1-888-720-7489. The hotline is open from 8 a.m. to midnight ET daily and offers help in English, Spanish and more than 150 other languages.

How many free COVID tests can I get?

Initially, the program allowed for four free at-home tests per residential address. Starting next week, "every home in the U.S. will be able to order an additional set of 4 tests," the website says.

You can also get up to eight at-home tests a month for each person on your health insurance plan.

Will USPS deliver the COVID tests in the mail?

Yes, these tests will be delivered in the mail through the U.S. Postal Service. 

Will I be able to track my COVID-19 test order status?

Yes, you’ll also get an email with your order confirmation. The site says you’ll receive email notifications with shipping updates, including estimated delivery date and a tracking number on USPS.com.

What kind of COVID tests will be sent?

“All tests distributed as part of this program are FDA-authorized at-home rapid antigen tests. You will not be able to choose the brand you order as part of this program,” the government says on its website.

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