LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — As more and more people test positive for COVID-19, you have to wonder how many people have it but never get tested. Often that comes down to cost.
Many people don't want to pay for a test, but 13 Action News Anchor Tricia Kean looks at how to get tested for free.
HELP FOR THE INSURED
"I'm working from home. I don't really go out. Always washing my hands. Sanitizing my car," said Las Vegas valley resident Cristina.
She's doing everything she can to protect herself. But the truth is, she thinks she already had COVID-19 back in January.
"I got really sick. They told me I had the flu but it was, I think, worse than the flu," said Cristina.
The good news is, anyone looking to find out if they have COVID-19 can get tested for free.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act passed by the federal government requires most insurers to provide COVID-19 testing. Ask your insurance provider and the testing site about this before you go.
There's also help for the uninsured.
HELP FOR THE UNINSURED
"We do know from previous statistics prior to COVID, prior to this event... we knew there were approximately 400,000 Nevadans who are uninsured," said Deputy Administrator Robert Thompson with Nevada Health & Human Services.
The Division of Welfare and Supportive Services says all you have to do is apply for Medicaid.
"If they are a Nevada resident, U.S. citizen, fall within the criteria, we're going to approve them for Medicaid, and Medicaid will cover this bill for them," said Thompson.
ALREADY PAID OUT OF POCKET? NO PROBLEM.
They'll even pay you back for a test you took months ago.
"We will cover retroactively back to March 20th. So if people have those fees back from March 20th, they can apply now to cover those previous fees," said Thompson.
Cristina just actually enrolled with Medicaid and says she plans to take advantage of the offer.
"I would do that. Definitely," said Cristina.
