New this COVID, flu and RSV season, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) now provides free covid test kits to providers of home health and hospice, adding to a program begun last year serving nursing homes and assisted living. The initiative runs into 2025. Members serving low-income older adults in federally assisted housing can also request free kits.

Nursing homes and assisted living communities:  To be added to the distribution or to increase your weekly allocation, send a request via email to tdx@hhs.gov with the following information:

• A copy of the current CLIA waiver
• Name and address of the nursing home or assisted living
• Designation: nursing home or assisted living
• Name, email, and phone number of facility point of contact
• Number of employees
• Number of tests per week that you require

Federally assisted housing providers:  Get details on the  Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program here and sign up to access the portal here.