How can I buy tests using my health insurance?

You may be able to buy rapid tests from a local or online pharmacy using insurance (including Medicaid) or get reimbursed.</p> Don't have insurance? </strong>More people can get NC Medicaid as of Dec. 1, 2023. You may be eligible to have your COVID-19 vaccine, testing and treatment covered at no-cost by Medicaid. </em> Apply now</em></a> .</em></p> If you have private insurance</h3> Some health plans reimbursed the cost of at-home COVID-19 tests during the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE). Since the PHE ended in May 2023, private insurance companies are no longer required to cover the full cost of tests.</p> Check your insurance's policy on at-home test reimbursement:</p> Blue Cross Blue Shield</a></li> United</a></li> Cigna</a></li> Aetna</a></li> Anthem</a></li></ul> Don't see your health insurance provider listed? Please check their website.</p> If you have NC Medicaid coverage</h3> North Carolina Medicaid program guidelines allow you to get free at-home COVID rapid tests at no cost. Beneficiaries can select at-home tests at your preferred pharmacy and show your NC Medicaid ID card for no out-of-pocket cost. The pharmacist will bill Medicaid on your behalf.</p> Questions? Contact Medicaid and NC Health Choice Claims and Billing at (800)-688-6696.</p> If you have Medicare coverage</h3> You can access testing through your health care provider or local pharmacist. Or, pick up free at-home rapid tests at Medicare-certified health clinics.</p> Currently, original Medicare does not pay for at-home tests for individuals’ purchases. However, Medicare Advantage plans may offer coverage and payment for at-home COVID-19 tests. If you're covered by Medicare Advantage, be sure to check your plan. </p></div></div></div>

What if I need to go to a testing location?

These locations in North Carolina may offer PCR or rapid tests at low- or no-cost</strong>:</p> CVS Health</a></li> Local independent pharmacies</a></li> Walgreens</a></li> Walmart in partnership with Quest Diagnostics</a></li> A local health center</a> (Please call ahead to make an appointment.)</em></li> Your local health department</a></li></ul> You can also go to your health care provider if you have one. Don't have insurance? </strong>More people can get NC Medicaid as of Dec. 1, 2023. You may be eligible to have your COVID-19 vaccine, testing and treatment covered at no-cost by Medicaid. </em> Apply now</em></a> .</em></p></div>

What if my test was negative?

While a positive test confirms you have an infection, a negative test only shows that it didn’t detect the virus but does not rule out an infection. So, here’s what you should consider after receiving a negative COVID-19 test result using an at-home test.</p> If you have symptoms:</strong></p> Test again in 48 hours.</li> Consider talking with a healthcare provider. You may need to get tested for other respiratory illnesses.</li> Follow current CDC Respiratory Virus Guidelines</strong></a>. </li></ul> If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19: </strong></p> Test again in 48 hours.</li> If your second test is also negative, test again 48 hours later for a total of three tests.</li></ul> Resume regular activities if: </strong></p> You were tested for another reason, like workplace screening.</li> You do not have known or suspected contact with someone who has COVID-19.</li> You have no symptoms. </li></ul>