The Biden Administration recently released guidance which requires group health plans and health insurance issuers to cover over-the-counter COVID-19 tests authorized by the FDA beginning on January 15, 2022 for the remainder of the public health emergency. Test kits must be approved by the FDA (Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) kits).
Group health plans and health insurance issuers are required to cover at least eight free Over-the-Counter COVID-19 tests per covered individual on your health plan per 30-day period (or per calendar month). For example, a family of four all enrolled in the same group health plan would be able to get at least 32 OTC COVID-19 tests covered by their health plan per calendar month.
There is no limit on the number of COVID-19 tests, including OTC COVID-19 tests that must be covered by the health plan or issuer if ordered or administered by a health care provider following an individualized clinical assessment, including for those who may need them due to underlying medical conditions.
The tests are paid for by the health plan and are at no cost to the member providing the member obtains the tests through the network of pharmacies and retailers in the network. Prime Therapeutics has over 65,000 pharmacies nationwide in its network. Take the test kit to the pharmacy counter, present your pharmacy (Prime Therapeutics) benefit card, and pay for it there, asking for it to be put through insurance. There will be no cost to you at the point of sale. Please understand that the availability of test kits at pharmacies is not the responsibility of the health plans. Test kits purchased prior to January 15 will not be reimbursed.
If the member goes outside the pharmacy or retail network, the health plan cost is capped at $12 for each test and the member is responsible for the balance. In this case, please retain the receipts; further instruction will be forthcoming on the reimbursement process.
Those on EB health insurance can review the pharmacies in network by going to the EB Home page – Benefits and Wellness – Quick Links – Prime Therapeutics – Find a Pharmacy in network. You will be asked to register if you have not done so already. The EB Pharmacy is in network but has not yet received a supply of tests. We will communicate if and when they do. Those not on EB insurance must follow guidance from their insurance plan.
The process for test distribution for employees on CIGNA Global (expatriate employees only) is still in development. At this time, only tests purchased within the US will be covered. Tests purchased outside the US or purchased inside the US then shipped to overseas locations and submitted for a claim will not be covered. Claims may be submitted through the member’s account at www.envoy.com.
EBECSA Celebrates 75 Years — Nominate EB Employees Past and Present for Recognition
This year, the Electric Boat Employees’ Community Services Association (EBECSA) proudly celebrates its 75th anniversary. EBECSA was founded in 1951 by EB employees who wanted to create a dedicated, organized way to support nonprofit health and human service agencies in the communities where we live and work. What began as a small employee‑driven effort has...Continue reading→
Atlas Plaque Unveiled, Honoring Plank Owners at South Yard Ceremony
Employees who have worked on Atlas, EB’s new state-of-the-art floating dry dock, gathered in the South Yard on Wednesday, Aug. 26, to unveil a new bronze plaque recognizing the contributions of its plank owners. The event celebrated the teams who helped bring Atlas from Bollinger Shipyards in Louisiana to its arrival in Groton earlier this year. Atlas will play...Continue reading→
Neighbors Meet with EB to Discuss Noise, Lighting and Other Quality of Life Topics
Nearly twenty neighbors of Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard joined company leaders Aug. 25 for a community conversation focused on their quality‑of‑life concerns related to the South Yard Assembly Building (SYAB) and Atlas, the new floating dry dock. The Mayor of the City of Groton, Jill Rusk, also attended. Residents said they appreciated the chance to talk...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 26: Waterford Campus Groundbreaking
EB President Mark Rayha reports from the groundbreaking of the new Waterford Campus, where innovation, engineering and workforce development will come together to support our mission. The new facility will help train hundreds of shipbuilders daily as EB continues to grow for future production demands.
Waterford Campus Groundbreaking Marks EB’s Next Step in Innovation and Workforce Growth
Electric Boat officially broke ground Friday on the Waterford Campus, launching the transformation of the former Crystal Mall into a center for innovation, engineering and high‑tech workforce development. EB President Mark Rayha underscored how the project will reshape the way the company designs, tests and builds submarines. Innovation is the key, he said. “There’s an opportunity to...Continue reading→
Powering HeartStrong 50: Thank You, EB Teams—Let’s Keep the Momentum Going!
​Thank you to our incredible EB Heart Walk teams, our community partners, and everyone who joined the American Heart Association (AHA) Torch Journey photoshoot. Your enthusiasm and dedication made this milestone truly special. Now let’s keep our HeartStrong 50 energy going—our goal is 50 teams and $50,000 raised for the 2026 AHA Eastern Connecticut Heart Walk on October 3 at UConn Avery...Continue reading→
Speed Cameras to be Installed in the City of Groton
The City of Groton Police Department announced that automated speed enforcement cameras will be installed at several locations throughout the city. The cameras will be installed after the required 30-day public notification period, which began on Aug. 7, 2026. Camera locations: Mitchell Street Thames Street Clarence B. Sharp Highway (Route 349) Police said the purpose...Continue reading→
MDA Apprenticeship Application Now Open
Application Window: August 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026 The MDA Apprenticeship Program is a four-year initiative designed to develop a highly skilled workforce for Electric Boat. This program provides three years of on‑the‑job training alongside qualified subject matter experts, combined with classroom instruction across various technical disciplines. Participants gain advanced skills, broaden their expertise, and...Continue reading→
Building 600 Tech Stop Relocation
On Monday, August 3, 2026, Facilities will be relocating the Tech Stop currently located in Building 600 4th Floor East to its new location in Building 130-01 Classroom 7. During this time, please utilize the alternate Tech Stop location: B708 (625 Long Hill Road) Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm The tech stop will resume...Continue reading→
A Message From Mark Rayha: Historic Contracts/Rayha Report
​Today marks one of the most significant moments in Electric Boat’s history. As part of its $76.6 billion submarine contract announcement, the U.S. Navy has awarded Electric Boat ship construction contracts valued at $29.5 billion for five Columbia-class submarines and $42.1 billion for nine Virginia-class submarines, along with incentives for shipyard infrastructure. Click here to read the...Continue reading→
