On February 9, HUD launched a COVID-19 Test Kit ordering webpage for Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly communities.

LeadingAge worked with HUD to create a way for Section 202 communities to place weekly, no-cost bulk orders for COVID tests. HUD began accepting orders on December 22, and now the dedicated HUD webpage to place bulk orders and find information on bulk ordering is welcome news.

This registration site is open for all Section 202 Elderly properties, just click here to register to order the test kits.

The tests provided, the QuickVue At-Home OTC COVID-19 Test, allow individuals and families to test themselves in the privacy of their own homes. This test helps detect the virus during the early stages of infection and allow individuals to act accordingly based on this knowledge.

HUD Tips for Ordering Tests:

• Testing supplies will be requested using an online ordering system known as the “Health Partner Ordering Portal” (HPOP).
• Distribution sites (Section 202 Elderly properties) must register in order to begin ordering test kits. Note: The project address must be used in the registration process as test kits will only be delivered to the project.
• Only organizations identified as HUD Multifamily Housing Properties that are Section 202 Elderly Projects will be able to access the site and order test kits. The Section 202 elderly project’s iREMS number is required to be entered in the “State ID” field when registering the project. This will clearly identify the property and will expedite the registration approval process.
• However, test kits shipped to these locations can and should be shared with organizations who partner with them to provide services and supports to individuals with disabilities, older adults and their caregivers and household members.
• After completing HPOP registration and this registration being approved by HUD, Section 202 elderly properties will have the ability to order an amount of test kits that they determine that they will be able to store and distribute without waste.
• Orders will be input on a weekly basis. Distribution sites should only order an amount of test kits that they estimate that they will be able to distribute in a 1-week period.

Ordering:

• Minimum is 1 package, or 45 test kits (there are 2 tests per test kit).
• Maximum is 2000 packages, or 90,000 test kits.
• Plan for weekly ordering cadence.

Deliveries:

• Expect within 7-10 calendar days of order submission.
• Section 202 elderly properties will be able to track their orders via the HPOP system.

Storage:

• Test kits storage: Room temperature (15-25^◦C/59-77^◦F).
• Test kits shelf-life extension: 16 months.

Instructions on how to register and order test kits can be found here as well as additional information on the slides located here. This registration process may begin immediately.

HUD is expected to announce a training session for owners who need additional information to complete the registration process.