The federal government launched a website that allows all U.S. households to order free COVID-19 at-home tests, Tuesday.

The site was originally supposed to go live Wednesday, January 19, but launched a day early at covidtests.gov.

“Every home in the U.S. is now eligible to order 4 free at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests,” California Public Health tweeted Tuesday. “Getting tested, along with vaccinations and masking, help us reduce the chances of spreading COVID-19 and its variants.”

There is a limit of four tests per household and ship within 7-12 business days.

The free at-home tests are an alternative to already free COVID-19 testing sites around L.A. County and do not affect the ability to be reimbursed by insurances for over-the-counter tests.

As of January 15, “most health plans” will cover the reimbursement of over-the-counter COVID-19 tests, up to $12 per test.

With a receipt of purchase, a claim may be made to your insurance provider, although some retailers may cover the costs up front. Up to eight tests may be reimbursed per month.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is strongly incentivizing plans to offer at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 tests through preferred pharmacies, retailers and online and mail-order programs without up-front out-of-pocket costs to you,” The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website said. “Consumers can find out from their plan if it is providing such direct coverage of over-the-counter COVID-19 tests. You will not need to seek reimbursement later for tests received through such a program.”

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