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Although the U.S. government ended its free at-home COVID test program on May 11, 2023, due to the conclusion of the COVID-19 public health emergency, free testing options are still available. However, you may need to visit a testing site in person.
Programs such as the Department of Health and Human Services’ Test to Treat initiative, Health Resources & Services Administration health centers, and the CDC’s Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) initiative continue to offer no-cost testing at thousands of locations nationwide. Here’s how to find a testing center near you.
Steps to Get Tested for COVID at a HRSA Health Center
The Health Resources and Services Administration supports almost 1,400 health centers nationwide offering free COVID testing. To locate the nearest HRSA health center, enter your location on the program's locator tool, select your preferred center, and follow their specific instructions.
How to Get Tested for COVID Through the ICATT Program
While the state of emergency has ended, there are still 10,000 Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) sites across the U.S. at pharmacies, commercial labs, and retail locations.
The program is primarily designed to assist uninsured individuals who have been exposed to COVID or are showing symptoms, but insured individuals can still access these sites, although there may be a charge based on your insurer. To find ICATT locations, use the locator tool, and contact the site for scheduling and other details.
How to Access COVID Testing (and Treatment) Through the Test to Treat Program
The Test to Treat initiative offers low-cost or free COVID testing and treatment at pharmacy clinics, federally-supported health centers, long-term care facilities, and various community sites. Some locations also offer telehealth services.
Patients are tested on-site or can bring results from another testing site or an at-home test to qualify for treatment. If you have insurance but it doesn't cover COVID testing or treatment, you may still be eligible for assistance through this program.
To locate a nearby Test to Treat center, visit the program's locator page and enter your zip code.
What types of COVID tests are offered through these programs?
Since these programs are run through clinics, the type of test you receive depends on where you go—you may have the option to choose, or you may not. Home tests are typically rapid antigen tests (RATs), while clinics usually offer molecular PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests. PCR tests are more likely to detect the virus early, even before symptoms appear, and are less prone to false negatives. (Here is more information on the difference between various COVID tests.)
Which states offer COVID testing to their residents?
Numerous state and local programs continue to provide free COVID testing. For example, California’s Medi-Cal program offers eight free at-home tests each month for eligible members. For more information on available testing programs, visit your state health department’s website.
Do insurance holders get free COVID tests?
Although private health insurance companies are no longer obligated to reimburse for COVID tests or treatment, most major insurers still cover COVID-related treatments and lab tests. However, you may be responsible for copays, deductibles, and out-of-network charges, just as with any other medical expenses.
