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COVID-19 Testing
- What You Need to Know
- Test Types
- What You Need to Know
- Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.
Patients may also elect to receive a combination COVID and PCR flu test for an out of pocket cost of $164.99. Testing services at Walgreens may be covered by your HSA, FSA or HRA. Why do I have to get the flu and COVID-19 test together?
Jan 6, 2022 · A Peterson Center on Healthcare and Kaiser Family Foundation study of prices at 93 hospitals in April 2021 found COVID-testing prices ranging from $20 to $1,419, not including additional fees...
Sep 13, 2023 · Most of those tests cost between $12 to $24 per pack with two tests per pack, according to KFF. The total cost for a pack ranged from $8 for one test to $40 for four. Self-pay cash prices for...
An investigation by the Kaiser Family Foundation determined that the cost of a test can range anywhere from $20 to $850, with $127 being the median cost. Currently, the Medicare reimbursement rate for a COVID-19 test is either $51 or $100, depending on the type of test offered.
- Overview
- How much does it cost?
- Where to find testing
- How long do results take?
- Summary
Anyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status, can get a diagnostic test for COVID-19 free of charge at a local health center, a community testing site, or pharmacy.
Many insurers have waived the cost of COVID-19 antibody tests, meaning most people will not have to pay.
SARS-CoV-2, or the novel coronavirus, is a new virus. In some people, it can cause COVID-19, a respiratory disease.
Many people with COVID-19 will experience mild symptoms, and others will have no symptoms at all. In some cases, the disease can be fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), typical symptoms include:
•a cough
•shortness of breath
Viral test
A viral test can tell doctors if someone currently has an infection with SARS-CoV-2. Experts may also call viral tests diagnostic tests. According to the CDC, anyone who falls into the following categories should get a viral test for free: •people who have the symptoms of COVID-19 •people who have been within 6 feet of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes •people whose doctor or healthcare provider recommended a test Viral COVID-19 testing is free of charge regardless of immigration status. People who are in the hospital with suspected COVID-19 will also receive a test for current infection.
Antibody test
An antibody test can tell doctors if someone has had the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the past. When the immune system meets a new virus for the first time, it starts to create proteins that will fight the infection. Experts call these antibodies, and they are disease-specific. It means that if the person becomes infected with the same virus again, their immune system will know how to fight it. Doctors do not yet know how long immunity to COVID-19 lasts. If someone tests positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, it does not mean they will not contract the virus again. In the U.S., many insurance companies have waived the fee for an antibody test. The tests are also available free of charge for people enrolled in Medicare. Find out more about Medicare and COVID-19 here. People can also pay a healthcare provider for an antibody test. The price can vary between providers. Learn more about COVID-19 testing here.
Local health centers, community testing sites, and selected pharmacies provide testing.
Pharmacies offering viral SARS-Cov-2 tests include:
•CVS Health
•Kroger
•Rite Aid
•Walgreens
The type and location of a SARS-CoV-2 test will determine the time it takes to get the results. It will vary from state to state, provider to provider.
People who are waiting for test results should isolate themselves to make sure they do not spread the virus if they have it.
SARS-CoV-2 is a new virus that has spread across the world since the start of 2020. People often call it coronavirus. Most people will experience very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
Others, particularly those who are elderly or have underlying health conditions, may develop COVID-19. COVID-19 is a potentially fatal respiratory condition.
Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should get a viral test to see if they have the infection. These tests are free for everyone in the U.S., regardless of immigration status. They are available at health centers, community testing sites, and some pharmacies.
Antibody tests can tell people if they have already had the virus. Many, but not all, insurers have waived the fees for antibody tests, meaning most people can get them for free.
To find out where to get tested, people can go to the HHS website and search for their local area.
Stay informed with live updates on the current COVID-19 outbreak and visit our coronavirus hub for more advice on prevention and treatment.
May 26, 2020 · As background, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced that Medicare will reimburse providers up to $100 per test, depending on the test. Newer COVID-19 tests that give...
Ellume COVID-19 Home Test Kit $38.99The Ellume COVID-19 Home Test has not been FDA cleared or approved; but has been authorized by the FDA under an emergency use authorization.