Resource: free COVID tests
It might just be allergies, or it might be COVID, so it’s important to continue testing if you have symptoms or are exposed. Testing early helps you prevent spread and allows you to access effective treatments to prevent severe disease. Minnesotans can order free at-home tests now through the State of Minnesota.
Any Minnesotan can still order their free tests
Tests through this program are free to Minnesotans whether or not they have insurance. The tests will continue to be available and free as long as supplies last.
This program can help provide tests to people who do not have a regular health care provider or who may not be able to easily get to other COVID-19 testing locations.
Order tests now so you have them when you need them
People ordering tests right now will get 4 test kits (2 tests per kit for a total of 8 tests).
This is a great, convenient option for people who may not be able to easily go to a clinic, pharmacy, or other testing location. It may also help those who do not have health insurance to get free at-home tests.
Even if you have ordered tests before, you can order again.
How to order free tests
Other ways to order free tests
Shelters can still order tests from MDH for shelter guests!
See the COVID-19 Testing Resource for Shelters to see which tests are available and learn how to order them.
If you have health insurance, you may be able to get free tests or be reimbursed for costs of purchasing the tests until May 11, 2023, when the federal public health emergency ends.
Most people with a health plan can go online, or to a pharmacy or store to purchase an at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic test authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at no cost. Visit CMS: How to get your At-Home Over-The-Counter COVID-19 Test for Free to learn more.
Vaccine Uptake
The chart below reflects current reported vaccination rates for people in Minnesota who identify as American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) who are up to date on COVID-19 vaccines (17.9%) and for AI/AN experiencing homelessness who are up to date on COVID-19 vaccines (17.5%).
The green line at the bottom of the chart reflects the statewide rate for all Minnesotans who are up to date on COVID-19 vaccines (26%).
The rates below for all AI/AN and AI/AN experiencing homelessness who are up to date on COVID-19 vaccines are both lower than the current statewide average for Minnesotans up to date.
For details on the COVID-19 vaccine data above as well as more COVID-19 vaccination data for Minnesota, visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Data Situation Update.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently made some changes to simplify COVID-19 vaccine recommendations.
CDC now recommends that the updated (bivalent) Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines be used for all doses given to people age 6 months and older. This will change how many doses some people will be recommended to get to be up to date.
The updated recommendations also include options for an additional dose or doses of the bivalent vaccine for certain populations (i.e., 65+ and immunocompromised). The original (monovalent) Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be used.
Vaccination continues to be one of the best ways to help protect yourself from getting very sick from COVID-19.
For more information on the updated U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) authorization and CDC recommendations, refer to their media statements:
Association of American Indian Physicians
Host a vaccine clinic
Request a vaccination event through MDH by submitting the COVID-19 Vaccination Request Form for Congregate Settings. The form is open for use by staff at congregate settings, such as shelters, transitional and supportive housing facilities, and day centers, as well as food shelves and outreach programs.
COVID-19 Recovery Initiatives
MinnesotaCare & Medicaid Eligibility Renewals
If you know someone with public insurance coverage, please encourage them to make sure their contact information is up to date and follow the steps below to keep their coverage. Here's why:
- Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare renewals were paused during the pandemic to help Minnesotans access care during a global pandemic and maintain high insurance coverage rates in the state.
- Based on federal law, a process has restarted for people to have their eligibility reviewed to ensure they still qualify for these programs.
- Since the renewal process is paper-based and relies on postal mail, it is critical for enrollees to update their contact information, including their phone number, email, and home address, if they have moved in the last three years.
Visit https://mn.gov/dhs/renewmycoverage/ or click on the image below to learn more about the renewal process.
Request for Proposal
Infectious Disease Trusted Messenger Program for People Experiencing Homelessness
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking proposals for the infectious disease Trusted Messenger program for people experiencing homelessness. The purpose of the Trusted Messenger program is to equip people living and working in homeless or congregate living settings to learn and communicate with their peers about COVID-19 and other routine vaccinations to prevent infectious disease.
Participating organizations will select Trusted Messengers from their programs, either clients or staff, who will share their own experiences, and provide a non-medical, non-threatening perspective to aid their peers in making decisions about vaccinations and other preventative measures. Participating organizations can apply for funding to provide peer education and outreach within their own organizations or to work in other settings in partnership with the MDH.
This opportunity is open to non-profit organizations, local governments (city and county), community health boards, and tribal nations working with people experiencing homelessness. Organizations can apply on their own or as part of a multi-organization collaboration.
The RFP materials can be found on MDH Center of Excellence on Public Health and Homelessness Page. All questions regarding this RFP must be submitted by email to health.homelessness@state.mn.us with Trusted Messenger RFP Question added to the subject line.
Proposals are due Friday, May 19, 2023, at 11:59 p.m.
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