DEAR SUN SPOTS: Are we still able to get free at-home COVID-19 tests? I heard someone say they will be going away soon or have already. — No name, no town

ANSWER: At this time, you can still order free COVID-19 tests here: https://www.accesscovidtests.org/. It’s easy and you can get a set of five. This is through the Department of Health and Human Services partnership with The Rockefeller Foundation’s Project Access COVID Tests (Project ACT). Amazon fulfills the orders.

On this site, you can also determine if the COVID tests you already may have can be used beyond their expiration dates. In most cases, they are still good 15 months beyond the date on the box. You’ll need to know the lot number printed on the test box then find that number on the list posted on the website at the address above. There is other helpful information on this site.

If you haven’t done so yet, you can also order a set of four free tests here: https://www.covid.gov/tests.

After May 11, considered to be the end of the public health emergency and at-home tests may cost people with insurance. People with traditional Medicare will no longer receive free, at-home test kits. Those with private insurance and Medicare Advantage (private Medicare plans) no longer will be guaranteed free at-home test kits, but some insurers may continue to voluntarily cover them.

For those on Medicaid, at-home test kits will be covered at no-cost through September 2024. After that date, home test coverage will vary by state.

Uninsured people in most states were already paying full price for at-home tests as they weren’t eligible for the temporary Medicaid coverage for COVID testing services. Uninsured and other people who cannot afford at-home tests may still be able to find them at a free clinic, community health center, public health department, library, or other local organization. Additionally, some tests have been provided by mail through the federal government, though the supply is diminishing.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Last Tuesday, someone picked up a key I had dropped in the parking lot of the Sabattus Street Hannaford store and turned it in to the store’s service counter. The clerk at the counter did not get the name of the person. I just want to thank the unnamed good soul and the counter clerk who made the effort to ensure the key’s return. — Chris, no town

ANSWER: These notes about good Samaritans in Sun Spots Land always make my day. Keep ’em coming!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Some time ago, you wrote about using a pumice stone to clean water stains in a toilet. I saved that column, as I do many others, and finally purchased a set of two pumice stones on plastic handles on Amazon. The pair was under $7 and oh my goodness, this works great! I used one on the toilets and the other on some stubborn rust stains in the tub. I am so pleased with the results and don’t know what I was waiting for. Thank you, Sun Spots! — Jeannie, Auburn

ANSWER: Those pumice stones do work well, especially if you’re always battling rust and hard water stains. I’m so pleased I could help!

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