So I was curious and my health provider has this on their website:
Find a COVID-19 Testing Location Near You
Use this online tool to find a COVID-19 testing location in your area.
The testing locations listed are updated each day and are based on the most current information available.
We will continue to update as we get new information.
The testing locations listed are updated each day and are based on the most current information available.
We will continue to update as we get new information.
Some testing locations may not be in your plan's network. If it is appropriate for you to receive a COVID-19 test,
we will cover the test at any location. Get the latest coverage information for COVID-19 testing services at UHC.com.
we will cover the test at any location. Get the latest coverage information for COVID-19 testing services at UHC.com.
- Only your health care provider can order a COVID-19 test.
- If your health care provider determines you should be tested for COVID-19, they will order the test and confirm the location for testing.
- Call your health care provider right away if you believe you might have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms such as fever, cough or trouble breathing.
- Get the latest information, including how to protect yourself and what to do if you are sick, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What is interesting is that I literally have Meritus Health that I can get tested at, 2 locations, each within 3-5 miles of where I live.
Back story. A family member who lives in the house had to get tested, due to have a fever for a day and cough. Family member goes to Meritus as the following listed:
Meritus Health Expands COVID-19 Testing for the Community
Meritus Health is now offering COVID-19 testing to all residents showing symptoms as designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Fever greater than 100.5 degrees and/or a dry cough, shortness of breath or sore throat.
No appointments or referrals are needed to be tested.
So family member got tested, was told the next evening it was positive and the following steps to take. I tell my employer, have to call the corporate nurse. I was told to call my PCP, because work would like me tested, but to get guidance from my PCP. My PCP says they do not give out referrals or orders and to call the Covid hotline, because they had no guidance for me. I call the hotline and tell them my employer wants me tested and they are like, 'unless you have symptoms, nope'. To which I tell my employer. Luckily I am still symptom free.
Anyway, back to my healthcare. I was curious to see what they have on their website (and yes, I get that they can only do so many updates? And assume they have a lot of data to be updated and are probably behind...but still...)
Those are the first 3 locations listed for me to be tested, if I needed to be, per their site. And this Provider Order required BS? I mean, my PCP said they have yet to do that and that they do not do that. So, if I needed to be tested, it's obvious Meritus is way ahead of the curve and probably has better funding to get tested in my local community. Whereas my PCP was somewhat clueless and my insurance doesn't have local resources.
In the article, it had some key phrasing: "The law prohibits insurers from charging patients for testing, but it does not block medical providers from doing so" (NPR, 2020).
Which is kinda evil with what is going on.
Just be aware of what you are responsible for and be prepared. All of this is probably still evolving, but damn.
Link to the NPR Article: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/04/29/847450671/covid-19-tests-that-are-supposed-to-be-free-can-ring-up-surprising-charges
