Free At-Home Covid-19 Tests

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or think you may have COVID-19, you should get tested.

The two main types of COVID-19 tests are rapid antigen tests and polymerase chain reaction tests (PCR). Antigen tests can be taken at home and return results in about 10 to 15 minutes. PCR tests are more accurate but require lab work and generally don’t provide results for at least 12 hours or even up to 5 days.

At-home rapid antigen tests use a nasal swab to collect specimens from the back of the nose. These tests simply detect the presence of COVID-19 antigens, the substances that prompt your immune system to create antibodies.

PCR tests administered by a professional may require a nasopharyngeal sample that involves a much deeper nostril swab. PCR tests amplify genetic material from the collected sample up to a billion times to detect even the slightest amount of COVID-19 genes, making them highly accurate.

US Government

You can order free, at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen tests from the US Government. Four tests per household will be sent by mail to your address. Go to COVIDTests.gov to order.

USPS.com

Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of #4 free at-home tests from USPS.com. Limit of one order per residential address. To order, go to special.usps.com/testkits.

Addresses not registered as multi-unit buildings may lead to difficulties placing orders. Some users have said that adding an apartment number in the main address line, rather than in the section for apartment number, enabled them to order. Those having trouble placing orders online can call 1-800-232-0233.

Medicaid Beneficiaries

NC Medicaid beneficiaries can receive free at-home COVID-19 tests from their local pharmacies. Beneficiaries should select an at-home test at their preferred pharmacy and present their NC Medicaid ID card to the pharmacy for no out-of-pocket cost. The pharmacist will be able to bill Medicaid on the patient’s behalf.

Labcorp COVID-19 PCR Test Home Collection Kit

Residents can request a test collection kit for themselves online at www.pixel.labcorp.com/nc. Follow the instructions to request your at-home collection kit. Once requested, your kit will be mailed to you via FedEx Overnight shipping.

Health Insurance

Health insurance providers are responsible for covering eight at-home COVID tests per month per individual. Customers can be reimbursed for COVID kits up to $12 per test, or receive free tests at no cost from participating in-network pharmacies.

Other Testing Options

In-person testing opportunities will be offered on the campus of UNC Asheville beginning Friday, January 21, 2022 from 1-8 p.m., as well as Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Blue Ridge Room in the Highsmith Student Union, located at 2500 University Heights, Asheville NC 28804. This weekend testing will be available for the next six weeks.

More resources for testing are listed at ncdhhs.gov/GetTested, including the Harrah’s Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St., Asheville, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you know you need an appointment, confirm your testing opportunity by booking an appointment in advance. Please do not visit a hospital emergency department for a COVID-19 test.

You can also find a COVID-19 Testing Site at covid19.ncdhhs.gov/about-covid-19/testing/find-covid-19-tests/find-covid-19-testing-site.

If Your Test Was Positive

If you take an at-home test and it’s positive for COVID-19, it’s recommended that you share the results with your medical provider and local health department. After receiving a positive test result, you should isolate for at least five days, longer if you have symptoms.

NCDHHS and the COVID-19 Community Team will not release names or other identifiable information to anyone. Personal information is strictly confidential and will be treated as the private health record it is.

Although the risk of false positives from rapid tests is low, most medical experts and health officials recommend confirming a positive at-home test by getting a PCR test.

If Your Test Was Negative

If you were tested because you have symptoms, or if you were tested because of contact with someone who has COVID-19, you should follow current CDC quarantine and isolation guidelines.

If you were tested for another reason, have had no contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, and have no symptoms, then you can resume your regular activities.

Vaccines are better than treatment. Once you are feeling well, get your free, safe COVID-19 vaccine or find out if you need a booster.