Walgreens expands access to COVID-19 testing services by offering Pixel by Labcorp® At-Home COVID-19 PCR Kits at no cost through curbside and in-store pickup
In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, expanded testing options help provide equitable access to COVID-19 services
DEERFIELD, Ill., May 23, 2022 — Walgreens, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Labcorp, a leading global life sciences company, today announced a program to make Pixel by Labcorp®[1] COVID-19 at-home PCR collection kits available for curbside and in-store pickup at more than 1,000 stores nationwide. This program is designed to offer customers access to convenient, reliable testing at no cost and with no insurance or eligibility requirements. This initiative builds on Walgreens collaboration with HHS and Labcorp to offer COVID-19 at-home collection kits nationwide at no cost to individuals who meet clinical guidelines.[2]
Participating stores are prioritized on locations without drive-thru testing services, primarily located in metropolitan areas, helping to provide greater access to free COVID-19 tests for people who cannot pay out of pocket for testing services.
“With many state-operated COVID-19 testing sites closing, accessible free testing options are limited, even as cases continue to rise in certain areas of the U.S. This means some are struggling to afford critical COVID-19-related services like testing,” said John Standley, president, Walgreens. “Walgreens is proud to expand our partnership with HHS and Labcorp to help address these barriers, particularly for uninsured, socially vulnerable and medically underserved populations who continue to be among those most impacted by COVID-19.”
The Pixel by Labcorp COVID-19 at-home PCR collection kit uses the same PCR test trusted by doctors and hospitals across the country. PCR testing is considered the gold standard in diagnosing COVID-19, and the test detects all current variants of the virus.
“Throughout the pandemic, Labcorp has used science and innovation to make testing available to consumers in easy and convenient ways,” said Amy Summy, chief marketing officer, Labcorp. “Our goal is to provide everyone access to critical COVID-19 testing to improve the health and lives of those we serve. Expanding our collaboration with Walgreens to include no-cost COVID-19 tests for curbside pickup makes getting tested easier, especially for those most at risk.”
How to Pick Up a Free Pixel by Labcorp® COVID-19 At-Home PCR Collection Kit
- Choose a pickup store. Visit walgreens.com/PCRpickup and select a store. Limit one test kit per order. Availability varies by store.
- Enter patient information. Individuals do not need to enter insurance information.
- Pick up test kit. When a kit is ready, individuals will receive an email with detailed pickup instructions.
- Register kit, collect and send in sample. Individuals will be directed to register the kit through Labcorp OnDemand, collect their sample at home, and drop off at a Walgreens FedEx counter or a FedEx drop off location to send it to a lab for processing. Shipping is free with a pre-paid return pack.
With Walgreens pharmacies embedded in communities across the country, patients can easily access critical COVID-19 services. In addition to this new COVID-19 testing program, Walgreens provides free[1] drive-thru COVID-19 testing for everyone ages 3 and older at more than 7,000 locations nationwide and over the counter (OTC) test options for purchase online and in stores.
Customers can ask their pharmacist if their insurance plan offers coverage with no out-of-pocket cost for OTC tests. If the plan does not offer this coverage, customers can save their receipt and submit a claim through their insurer for reimbursement. Walgreens is committed to providing equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, testing and treatments in the communities the company serves and has administered more than 65 million COVID-19 vaccines and 29 million COVID-19 tests.
About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is included in the United States segment of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), an integrated healthcare, pharmacy and retail leader serving millions of customers and patients every day, with a 170-year heritage of caring for communities. As America’s most loved pharmacy, health and beauty company, Walgreens purpose is to champion the health and well-being of every community in America. Operating nearly 9,000 retail locations across America, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Walgreens is proud to be a neighborhood health destination serving approximately 9 million customers each day. Walgreens pharmacists play a critical role in the U.S. healthcare system by providing a wide range of pharmacy and healthcare services. To best meet the needs of customers and patients, Walgreens offers a true omnichannel experience, with fully integrated physical and digital platforms supported by the latest technology to deliver high-quality products and services in local communities nationwide.
Contact
Jessica Masuga
Walgreens Media Relations
[email protected]
[1] The Pixel by Labcorp PCR Test Home Collection Kit has not been FDA-cleared or approved but has been authorized for emergency use by FDA under an EUA and has been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. Emergency use of this product is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated, or authorization is revoked sooner.
[2] Individuals must meet one or more of the following requirements to qualify for a Pixel by Labcorp® COVID-19 test at-home collection kit at no cost: Experiencing mild symptoms; exposed to someone with COVID-19; live or work in a congregate setting; and/or asked to get tested by a healthcare professional, contact investigator, or public health department
[3] Free COVID-19 testing is available to patients ages 3+. Patients will not receive a bill from Walgreens or any lab partner. If you receive a Diagnostic Test and have insurance, you will be asked to show your insurance card at the appointment and the lab may bill your insurer. State and federal programs may also provide no-cost testing in your area, click here to view a current list of our government-sponsored testing partners.