On Monday, Jan. 31, Medicaid-enrolled pharmacies began distributing rapid COVID-19 tests to members of BadgerCare Plus and most Medicaid enrollees for no cost. Members were sent this information via email, the ForwardHealth COVID-19 webpage and through the Member Services call line.
Members need only to present their ForwardHealth ID card, either physically or on their MyACCESS mobile app.
According to a Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) news release, rapid COVID-19 tests are in short supply across the nation. Members are encouraged to call ahead to find a pharmacy that currently has tests available.
Exceptions to this Provision
Certain members of ForwardHealth are ineligible to receive free rapid COVID-19 tests. If a member:
- Also has private insurance, they will need to obtain a kit from that program.
- Is part of SeniorCare, their coverage is limited to vaccines and drugs.
- Is part of a limited-benefit program, such as the AIDS/HIV Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) or the Wisconsin Chronic Disease Program (WCDP).
- Is part of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), they can contact their PACE care team for assistance.
How to Get Your Free Tests
- No-cost test kits are only available at pharmacy counters.
- Members MUST show their ForwardHealth credentials, either by showing the card or through the app.
- Members are eligible for a maximum of eight tests each month.
- There will be no refunds given for tests that were previously purchased.
- For people with disabilities: Call 1-888-677-1199 or send an email to DIAL (Disability Information and Access Line) for help placing orders.
Other Options
Whether a member is ineligible to receive the free tests or pharmacies are out of stock, COVID-19 tests are still available. People can go to their doctor or a clinic for testing, however, this should be done only if other options are unavailable to keep patient loads low.
COVID-19 testing sites can be found below:
Racine County
Read COVID-19 Testing Sites in Racine County for locations and valuable information on types of tests, pharmacy testing locations, community testing locations and more.
Racine County Public Health offers this list: COVID-19 Testing.
Kenosha County
Fitchburg Family Pharmacy has teamed up with Lou Perrine’s and other locations. Read Lou Perrine’s New Location Offers COVID-19 Testing.
The Kenosha County Health Department’s COVID-19 Response Hub offers testing locations as well.
The Racine County Eye and Kenosha Lens is committed to publishing the most current and accurate information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in our Coronavirus section. View both the Racine County COVID-19 Dashboard and Kenosha County COVID-19 Dashboard offering real-time (updated Monday – Friday) statistical reporting for Racine and Kenosha Counties. Subscribe today to stay up-to-date with local news.