Kansas is offering free COVID tests mailed to your home. Here’s how to get some

Updated on Sept. 21: Kansas has restocked its supply of free COVID tests after running out on Sept. 20. We will update the top of this story if we hear updates on the state running out again, but the following information should still help you check to see if tests are available and request them for you and your family.

Kansas families are eligible for five free home COVID-19 tests from the state through a program funded by private foundations. Interested families can enter their ZIP code here to place an order.

Tests will be delivered to residents’ homes by Amazon. Some families may be eligible to order tests more than once, or even on a regular basis like once a month, depending on where you live. The order confirmation page for your first shipment of tests will have information about whether you can order more in the future.

Only eight states around the country have access to tests through this initiative, which is called Project ACT. The acronym stands for “Access COVID Tests.” The project is designed to deliver tests to select vulnerable communities.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has expanded the program to all Kansas residents, so any Kansan is eligible for these free tests. If you’re a Kansas resident who isn’t able to access these tests through the Project ACT website, you can let us know at kcq@kcstar.com, but the best way to get tests is to check the program website regularly. Kansas ran out of free tests on Sept. 20, but it re-stocked its supply on Sept. 21.

Currently, these tests are not available to Missouri residents. The federal government is no longer offering free COVID-19 home tests through the USPS, so this is the best way to get home tests for free if you live in Kansas.

What if Kansas runs out of tests again?

You can still find at-home COVID-19 tests around Kansas at other places too. Check with your local CVS, Walgreens, Walmart or Target for their availability.

Local pharmacies, like CVS and Walgreens, and area health centers also provide COVID-19 testing at their locations. Find a local health center here.

Remember, if you have health insurance, you can get reimbursed for purchasing over-the-counter COVID-19 tests. Here is more information from the federal government about how to do that.

Do you have more questions about staying safe from COVID-19 in Kansas City? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.