I've done my 2018 taxes twice using TurboTax and both times I was asked to pay $19.99. The second time I followed the "Free" prompts. How do I get the Free 2018 TurboTax?

 

Getting started

It sounds like you may have chosen to "Upgrade" to the Standard version of TurboTax Online while preparing your return. As you cannot "downgrade" you'll need to again Start a new return as shown in the screenshots, and be sure you do not upgrade or click on "Unlock Guide Me" at any point during the preparation of the return. 

If you do click on an upgrade option, make sure you do not accept it by saying "No Thanks".