Who can score free rapid antigen tests?

Millions more Australians will be now able to access rapid antigen tests. But by no means all. Here’s how you can tell if you qualify.

Scott Morrison has outlined changes in Australia’s response to the recent Covid-19 testing drama after a national cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Fronting the media on Wednesday afternoon, the Prime Minister announced vastly more Australians would soon have access to free rapid antigen tests (RATs).

But not everyone. After coming to an agreement with the Pharmacy Guild some 6.6 million Australians will now be able to get free tests from their local chemist.

The PM also said that national cabinet had agreed to remove the requirement for a PCR test to confirm a positive RAT, and that the seven-day rolling test that is required for truck drivers will also be removed.

Over six million Aussies who hold concession cards will be eligible for up to 10 free tests at testing clinics for three months.

The free tests will soon be available to all concessional card holders.

This means anyone who is a:

– Holder of a Commonwealth seniors health card,

– Healthcare card,

– Low income cards,

– Pension concession cards,

– DVA Gold card or a DVA white card.

There are over six million Australians who fall into those categories. They will be able to get up to 10 tests over a course of three months, but no more than five per month.

“All of those tests are free. For those groups, they will also be free up to 10 tests over three month and you will be able to do that by going to the pharmacy.”

“We hope to have that in place over the next fortnight. It may be able to be done more quickly than that and we are working with the Pharmacy Guild put that in place as soon as we can, and we will get an update on that when we meet again next week.”

Those able to access the free tests will not have to hand over any cash. Pharmacist will take the person’s details and the business will be reimbursed by the Government.

Critically, Mr Morrison said no one should go to the chemist if they already fill they may have Covid.

“If you are symptomatic or a close contact and you are a concession card holder, do not go to the pharmacy,” Mr Morrison said.

“Go to the testing centre. We don't want people who are symptomatic or who are close contacts and may be carrying the virus going into pharmacies.

“If you are symptomatic in a close contact, you can go to the testing centre as many times as you need to,” Mr Morrison continued.

The PM added that “tests for close contacts and those who are symptomatic are free and have always been free”.

The Prime Minister also announced harsh new measures for those caught price gouging after reports of retailers selling tests for as high as $35 a pop came through this week.

Mr Morrison said although free tests for all had been discussed at national cabinet, it wouldn't be happening.

“Universal free access was not considered the right policy response by all of the states and territories in attendance today, and the Commonwealth.”

The cost for the tests is being met 50-50 by the states and territories and the Commonwealth.

The Prime Minister also announced harsh new measures for those caught price gouging after reports of retailers selling tests for as high as $35 a pop came through this week.

Anyone caught selling a rapid antigen test for more than 120 per cent on what they have paid to supply it will be in breach of that regulation.

Penalties of $66,000 apply, including a potential five years in jail.

Originally published as Who can score free rapid antigen tests?