DHS Expands Free COVID

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announces that Wisconsin households can now get two free at-home COVID-19 self-test kits every month through the Say Yes! COVID Test website. Each test kit includes five rapid antigen tests, for a total of 10 self-tests. Self-testing allows for quick results to help people make decisions about their health to prevent spreading the virus to others and protect the health of their community.

"It's important that we continue to provide equitable access to COVID-19 testing to stop the spread of this disease," said DHS Deputy Secretary Deb Standridge. "Ordering test kits though the website is quick, easy, and free for any Wisconsin household, and you do not need health insurance to place an order."

Since the start of the program in September 2022, more than 1.6 million test kit orders have been placed, with orders being delivered to every Wisconsin county. Households can place an order once per month and ordering reopens the first of every month. Those without reliable internet access or who have questions about ordering can dial 211 or 877-947-2211 for assistance.

To help stop the spread of COVID-19 it is important to use self-tests as recommended for reliable results and to know what to do if you test positive.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) extended expiration dates for many COVID-19 self-tests, including tests delivered through the Say Yes! COVID Test program (iHealth). If your tests are past their expiration date, use the lot number on the test package to look up the current expiration date on the FDA list.

For the best protection against COVID-19, stay up to date on vaccines and booster doses, get tested, stay home if you have symptoms, seek treatment if you are at risk of getting very sick, and improve ventilation when possible. Current COVID-19 community levels show the level of severe illness in a community and can help guide decisions about how to best protect yourself and others.

Visit the DHS website for more information about COVID-19.