Compare Your Testing Options

Updated January 30, 2022

There are currently several options for free or low-cost COVID-19 testing for employees.

Testing Option

Quantities and Limitations

Cost to Employee

Campus-based

  • No limit 

  • Only for employees & students 

  • May be free or through a nearby health provider (See Safe U for more information)

University health plan
Prime Therapeutics administers the program for medical plan members

  • 8 tests for every plan member every 30 days

  • Prime Therapeutics card needed

  • Cannot be used for employer-required workplace testing

  • Up to $12 per test is covered by the medical plan 

  • Can pay out-of-pocket and submit for a reimbursement

  • May be able to buy at a participating pharmacy counter with your Prime card 

U Market tests
Purchased by colleges or units

  • Only for workplace testing of employees with an approved vaccine exemption

$0

State and community testing sites
Minnesota Department of Health ship tests to the home

  • No limit 

  • Open to everyone

$0

One-time free tests from the federal government
USPS ships tests to the home

  • 4 individual rapid antigen tests per household

  • One-time option

$0

Buy your own test

  • No limit 

  • Open to everyone