Starting January 19, four COVID-19 at-home tests are now available from the U.S. government for free to all American households. To place your order, click here 

Please note, at-home test kits have expiration dates that need to be adhered to for best results. 

At-Home COVID-19 Tests Covered by the Fund

Beginning January 15, 2022, and continuing for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the NYSNA Benefits Fund will cover the cost of over-the-counter, at-home COVID tests in accordance with recent requirements of the Biden-Harris Administration. This means that Fund participants may go to any pharmacy, retail store, or online source to buy a test and be reimbursed for the cost of the test by submitting a claim to Empire BlueCross BlueShield. Participants are eligible to receive eight COVID at-home tests per covered individual per month. In other words, a family of four all covered by the Benefits Fund are eligible to receive up to 32 at-home tests covered by the Fund each month.    

The Benefits Fund will not cover the cost of at-home tests purchased for employment purposes.

Purchase a test at any local pharmacy, retailer, or online source

  • Participants must pay out-of-pocket for the at-home COVID test and submit to Empire for reimbursement. Be sure to keep your receipt as proof of purchase. 
  • You will be reimbursed for the full cost of the test. 

COVID Test Reimbursement Options

Claims for at-home COVID-19 tests may be submitted:

1. Via the member portal www.empireblue.com/signup

  • You must register at empireblue.com in order to submit claims through the member portal
  • Once on the portal homepage, click "Claims & Payments" in the main menu
  • Click "Submit a Claim" and follow the instructions for a COVID at-home test reimbursement request

OR

2. By mail 

  • Fill out an Empire claim form 
  • Attach your receipt
  • Mail it to the address below

Empire BlueCross BlueShield
PO Box 1407
Church Street Station
New York, NY 10008

Empire Claim Form


OR

3. Using Empire's Sydney Health App

  • Download and login to the Sydney Health mobile app by visiting the App Store or Google Play, or visit empireblue.com/signup
  • Search for Claims and a section titled "Online Claims Submission"
  • Proceed through the prompts to submit your claim

Participants may always request a claim form be emailed or mailed to you by calling the Benefits Fund at (877) RN BENEFITS [762-3633] Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.