Kokua Line: Are the expiration dates for iHealth COVID-19 tests extended?

Quse: When you are free at home COVID-19 tests were first delivered by mail earlier this year, the “last use” date for some sets was only a few months away, and Kokua Line shortly thereafter reported that the CareStart brand expiration date was extended by three months from the date printed on the box. Now free tests are being delivered again. I just received mine, another brand, called iHealth. One set has an “expiration date” of July 4, 2022, and the other, August 9, 2022. Are iHealth tests also extended?

Reply: Yes, the US Food and Drug Administration granted a three-month extension to the iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test on March 29th. This extended the shelf life of iHealth tests with expiration dates of September 29, 2022 or earlier. , from six months to nine months. For example, if the “expiration date” on the box says 2022-08-15 (year, month, day), the updated expiration date is November 15th. “We will continue to apply to the FDA for an extension of the shelf life every three months based on our stability studies, and the new shelf life for our tests will apply to tests already produced as well as future production,” the manufacturer said on its website, at 808ne.ws/ihealth. You can read the FDA’s letter there, as well as enter the batch numbers of the tests you have received to confirm their extended expiration dates.

To answer another reader’s question, no, you can not choose which brand of COVID-19 test kit you will receive in the mail when you place your order through this federal program, which distributes multiple brands of FDA-authorized rapid antigen tests in the home.

To request free COVID-19 tests, order online via covid.gov/tests or call 800-232-0233 (TTY 888-720-7489).

Q: How do I get the Hawaii tax deduction if I have already filed state income tax for 2021?

ONE: “Resident taxpayers who have already filed their tax returns do not need to take any further action” to receive this rebate, the State Department of Taxation said Monday in a statement. The department “expects it will be able to begin processing repayments by the end of August,” if Gov. David Ige signs a bill that the legislature approved this session. The bill provides a refund of $ 100 or $ 300 per. exemption for resident taxpayers who file their individual tax return for 2021 (Form N-11) before the end of this year. The amount of reimbursement varies according to the taxpayer’s federally adjusted gross income and filing status. Kokua Line has heard from several readers who are eager to receive the discount. DOTAX said it would publish a notice when more details are available.

Q: How do they check your insurance before a road test?

ONE: Hawaii driving license applicants must present a current Hawaii motor vehicle insurance card before the road test begins, according to the Honolulu County Customer Service Department. A paper version or electronic version is acceptable. A paper copy must be an original document issued by the insurance company; photocopied, faxed or computer printed copies are not accepted according to the department’s website. If the applicant presents an electronic version (accessed from the insurance company’s website, app or database), the mobile device showing the proof of insurance must be in the vehicle during the road test, it says.

Mahalo

To two wonderful people who were there when I fell in Costco’s parking lot. To the gentleman who used his antiseptic spray to cleanse my elbow scrape and to the lady who applied Neosporin and Band-Aids, many thanks for being there and for caring for my wound. My hope is that one day you will be rewarded for your good deed. – Very grateful senior

Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 7-500, Honolulu, HI 96813; call 808-529-4773; or email [email protected]