This Company Is Offering At-Home Tests for COVID-19 Starting Monday

Thus far, testing for COVID-19 may have been unavailable to many. Now, startup Everlywell is working on changing that, and, starting on Monday, March 24, the company will be launching at-home tests for COVID-19.

Everlywell is a digital health company that offers customers access to at-home lab tests across a variety of topics, including food sensitivities, men’s health, women’s health and sexual health. Earlier this month, the company announced a $1 million development incentive to labs who fulfilled requirements set by both Everlywell and the FDA to prioritize the development of a COVID-19 diagnostic test. Thanks to the positive response from these labs, the startup was able to build out a full testing and diagnosis experience for COVID-19 within a matter of days. While they’ll initially offer 30,000 kits, they plan to work with the labs to eventually provide testing capabilities to 250,000 people weekly.

The test, however, is not free and costs $135 each, though it will be covered by participating HSA and FSA providers. The company maintains it will not be making a profit of these tests, and even lists transparent pricing—so you know where that $135 charge is coming from—on its website. The hope is that eventually Everlywell will be able to work with government and public health officials to offer the test for free.

“Everlywell was founded to give people affordable, convenient access to lab testing. Never has our mission been more important,” Julia Cheek, founder and CEO of Everlywell, stated in a news release. “Our team has been working around the clock with top scientists and laboratories in the nation to develop a test that we will make available at the lowest price possible while covering our costs, at no profit to the company. We have also reached out to government and public health officials to explore possibilities to provide it for free.”

Consumers with COVID-19 symptoms wishing to take the test can request one online after filling out a questionnaire. From there, the test will be shipped to the consumer so they can collect their samples at home to limit exposure to others. Once collected, consumers will ship their samples overnight to one of Everlywell’s certified lab partners. Within 48 hours, consumers will be able to access their results online. Those who test positive for COVID-19 will have free access to telehealth consultations with board-certified doctors.

“The extreme shortage of tests for COVID-19 puts millions of Americans at risk,” Cheek states in the news release. “Everlywell is committed to helping stop the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S. by making this test widely available. As the national leader in at-home lab testing, we want to use our resources and expertise to help as many people as we can. We are committed to this fight, and we’re here to help.”

Learn more about Everlywell’s at-home COVID-19 test by visiting their website.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.