Starting February 1, 2022, all Medi-Cal beneficiaries may obtain up to eight (8) over-the-counter COVID-19 rapid antigen tests per month at no cost through pharmacies enrolled as Medi-Cal providers. Please view our Frequently Asked Questions for details.
Starting February 1, 2022, Medi-Cal Rx will cover up to eight (8) over-the-counter COVID-19 rapid antigen tests per month for Medi-Cal beneficiaries at no cost through pharmacies enrolled as Medi-Cal providers. This limit can be exceeded if the tests are ordered or administered by a medical provider following an individualized clinical assessment.
For at-home test kits purchased between March 11, 2021, and January 31, 2022, Medi-Cal will reimburse beneficiaries the retail cost of the tests with a receipt, using the process outlined here.
All Medi-Cal beneficiaries are eligible for this benefit. You must show your Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Card (BIC) or Client Index Number (CIN) to verify eligibility. If you do not have your BIC or CIN, you can obtain a new card by contacting the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services Customer Service Center.
FDA approved, over-the-counter COVID-19 rapid antigen tests. Please consult with your pharmacist to confirm FDA approval.
Medi-Cal beneficiaries may obtain an over-the-counter COVID-19 test at no cost through pharmacies enrolled as Medi-Cal providers.
No, you must pick up the test through the pharmacy. You must show your Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Card (BIC) or Client Index Number (CIN) to verify eligibility. If you do not have your BIC or CIN, you can obtain a new card by contacting the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services Customer Service Center.
Pharmacies enrolled as Medi-Cal providers may be found in the DHCS online pharmacy directory.
Medi-Cal beneficiaries may receive up to eight (8) FDA approved, over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per eligible member per calendar month without a doctor's order. This limit may be exceeded if additional tests are ordered or administered by a medical provider following an individualized clinical assessment.
No, if you obtain a test at a pharmacy enrolled as a Medi-Cal provider, you should not be charged. Please note that you should request the tests from the pharmacy department.
No. Multiple pack tests are counted by the number of tests included in the packet. For example, if a test packet includes two tests per packet, this counts as two tests.
Only tests approved by the FDA are covered. Inquire with your pharmacy about which tests are FDA approved.
No. The tests can be purchased at any time during a calendar month for the duration of the public health emergency.
This benefit will be available to eligible members until the federal government ends the public health emergency, or until otherwise advised by the California Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS).
No. The number are on a per month basis and are not cumulative.
No. This benefit does not cover tests, including over-the-counter COVID-19 tests, that are for employment purposes. Please contact your employer for its COVID-19 testing guidelines.
- You may also schedule a test (e.g. Antigen or PCR) at a testing site near your home. Please visit the County's Testing website to find a testing site near you.
- Starting on January 19, you will be able to order an over-the-counter COVID-19 rapid antigen test at COVIDtests.gov, at no cost. For those who have difficulty accessing the Internet or need additional support placing an order, call their COVID-19 Vaccination Assistance Hotline at 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).