The Biden administration launched the website COVIDtests.gov on Tuesday
so every household in America can order FOUR at-home COVID-19 tests for free via an online portal — but some New Yorkers have been experiencing a glitch.
While some have already logged onto claim their tests, others have received a pop-up message saying that their order can't be processed because it has already been claimed for their address.
“I tried putting my address in a bunch of different ways —
”
I keep receiving the same duplicate message.”
The issue is affecting people in apartment buildings that are not registered as multi-unit homes with the U.S. Postal Service. The site might only allow one order of four tests for the entire building - meaning if a neighbor got there first, they could be out of luck ... for now.
This is only happening in very limited cases so it seems. Anyone with an issue or another problem claiming their free tests should file an inquiry with the postal service at this link here or call 1-800-ASK-USPS for assistance correcting the problem.
"I am looking into reports of error messages for folks in multi-dwelling buildings such as apartments," Rep. Carolyn Maloney, who represents parts of Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, tweeted on Tuesday. She suggested people for now use this other postal service site to look up how exactly their address is listed, adding that it has helped some people to clear the error.
A White House Spokesperson has not responded to a request yet on what they are doing to remedy the issue - which is also being reported in other parts of the country and not just New York.
Once people have placed their orders on the Postal Service website, the tests will usually be shipped in seven to 12 days.
Those who want additional free tests may also be able to go through their insurance. Starting this past Saturday, private insurance plans had to start covering up to EIGHT at-home tests per month for each member at no additional cost to the individual.
Insurance plans have started reaching out to members and posting details online on how tests will be covered. Some people will be able to use their insurance benefits to get some home testing kits through a pharmacy for free without any upfront costs. Others will have to pay for the tests and then seek to get reimbursed.
