Dear colleague,
Our health insurance is now covering the cost of up to eight in-home COVID tests per month for everyone who has OptumRx prescription drug coverage under the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP). Family members covered by our insurance are also eligible, so a family of four covered under OptumRX would be eligible to get up to 32 tests per month.
You can purchase the tests at any pharmacy, other store, or online retailer. If you present your OptumRX card at a Rite Aid Pharmacy, Sam’s Club Pharmacy, or Walmart Pharmacy (OptumRX considers these participating in-network providers), the tests will be free of charge. If you buy them anywhere else, OptumRX will reimburse you up to $12 per test. To request reimbursement, fill out this online form. Be sure to save your receipts and be prepared to upload them when you fill out the form. We’re hopeful that other pharmacies will soon be added to the list of participating in-network providers, so check back at this webpage for updates.
The individual monthly limit of eight tests per month resets on the first day of each month. So if you can find tests in the next week before the end of January, you will be eligible for eight more per insured family member on February 1.
Click here to read an FAQ prepared by the State of New Jersey Division of Pensions and Benefits if you have questions. The FAQ lists nine eligible FDA-authorized over-the-counter in-home COVID tests. Only these tests are covered by OptumRX.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at aaup@rutgersaaup.org. Our union is one of six that participates on the Plan Design Committee of the SHBP, and we can raise questions and concerns for you in that space.
In solidarity,
Becky and Todd
Rebecca Givan, President, Rutgers AAUP-AFT
Todd Wolfson, General Vice President, Rutgers AAUP-AFT
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