You Can Still Get Tested for COVID for Free
On May 11, 2023, the federal government announced the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, and with it the end of the Postal Service program that provided free at-home COVID tests to U.S. residents. But while free tests are no longer available, that doesn’t mean it’s now impossible to get tested for COVID without paying for it. But you may have to leave the house.
The Department of Health and Human Services’ Test to Cure initiative, Health Resources and Services Administration health centers, and the CDC’s Improving Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program continue to provide free testing at thousands of locations across the country. Here’s information about each program and how to get help at a testing center near you.
How to Get Tested for COVID at an HRSA Health Center
The Health Resources and Services Administration is funding nearly 1,400 health centers across the country that provide free COVID testing. To find your nearest HRSA health center, enter your location on the program’s website . Click on your desired location and follow the instructions for that clinic.
How to get tested for COVID under the ICATT program
Although the national emergency has ended, there are still 10,000 Community Access to Testing (ICATT) sites operating in pharmacies, commercial laboratories and retail outlets across the United States.
The program’s goal is to provide testing to uninsured people who have been exposed to COVID or have symptoms, but that insured people will not be turned away. If you have health insurance, you can still get tested at one of these sites, but there may be a fee depending on your insurance company. To find ICATT locations near you, use the search tool and then contact the relevant site for schedules and any other information.
Getting tested (and treated) for COVID under the Test to Cure program
The Test to Cure initiative provides low- or no-cost COVID testing and treatment through pharmacy clinics, federally funded health centers, long-term care facilities, and community centers. It also provides telemedicine services in some locations.
Patients are either tested on site or can bring test results from another testing center or an at-home test to receive treatment for COVID. If you have insurance but it does not cover COVID testing or treatment, you may be eligible for treatment through this program.
To find a Test to Treat location near you, visit the program locator page and enter your zip code .
What types of COVID tests are available through these programs?
Because these programs are clinic-based, the type of test available depends on where you take it—you may or may not choose to take it. At-home tests are usually RATs (rapid antigen tests), and at the clinic you may be given a molecular PCR (polymerase chain reaction). PCR tests can detect the virus earlier, often before you start showing symptoms, and are less likely to show a false negative result. (Here’s some information about the differences between the different types of COVID tests .)
Which states provide COVID testing to residents?
There are many state and local programs that continue to offer free COVID testing. For example, California’s Medi-Cal program provides participants with eight free at-home tests per month. Visit your state’s health department website to find out more about available programs in your area.
Are COVID tests free if you have insurance?
If you have private health insurance, your insurer is no longer required to reimburse you for COVID tests or treatment, but most major health insurance plans still cover COVID treatment and laboratory testing. However, you will likely have to cover copays, deductibles, and out-of-network costs, as with any type of medical treatment.