(Greater Dakota News Service) Households across America are receiving free COVID tests sent by mail after the federal government rolled out the option last month. But in states such as Colorado, those living in tribal communities and remote areas must go through extra hoops to get them.

Through a designated website, households can order up to four free tests, sent to them by the U.S. Postal Service.

Christopher Shaw, a U.S. Postal historian, has written about the agency. He said it is not uncommon for those living on reservations and in extremely rural areas to not have a street address, and then there is the issue of technology. 

"And if you're in a rural place where you don't really have access to the internet, then how are you gonna use the website to order it in the first place?" Shaw asked.

He added website glitches might exacerbate the situation. Still, the Daily Yonder reports some living in tribal communities said working through barriers is better than no options, including driving round trip to pick up tests at a Post Office box, as opposed to traveling hundreds of miles to get them because there is no state-sponsored site in their area. 

Other concerns include confusion in placing an order if multiple families are living in one household, as well as lingering delivery delays in the postal service system.

Shaw still sees value in the federal government making attempts to get a test to everyone in the U.S. 

"Through their wonderful resource to be able to deliver these kits, is that it speaks to the value of the postal service," Shaw contended.

A total of 500 million COVID tests are being made available through the government's website. Officials say orders usually ship within seven to 12 days.