CommercialCoverageMedium impact
Antigen Testing for Rapid Detection of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi·MS·Medical Policy
Effective date
May 12, 2023
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Effective May 12, 2023, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi only covers FDA-approved COVID-19 antigen tests within 5 days of symptom onset. Tests under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) are now considered investigational and not covered, except for Federal Employee Program members who maintain full coverage.
Action Required
Immediately: Verify all COVID-19 antigen tests are FDA-approved (not just EUA) before billing. Stop billing EUA-authorized tests except for Federal Employee Program members. Update billing system to flag tests performed >5 days after symptom onset as not medically necessary. Train staff to verify FDA approval status and symptom timeline documentation before claim submission.