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Questions about your results? Call the COVID-19 test results hotline: 866-419-6988

Do you have COVID-19 symptoms? Have you been exposed to COVID-19? If your answer is “yes” to either of these questions, it’s time to get tested, even if you are up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.

There are many ways to get tested for COVID-19 in Wisconsin. First contact your doctor to ask if your primary health care clinic provides testing. If testing is not available, find a free community testing site near you. Check with the location for hours and when appointments are available.

Find a community testing site

See the basic information about COVID-19 testing, including when to get tested, how to get a test, and what happens during and after a test. COVID-19 self-tests are also available and can be purchased at pharmacies or ordered online for free at SayYesCovidHomeTest.gov.

No matter your vaccination status, you should get tested if you were exposed to COVID-19 or if you have any COVID-19 symptoms.

There are many ways to get tested for COVID-19 in Wisconsin:

You can protect yourself from potential fraudulent testing providers by following these guidelines:

Some types of tests for COVID-19 require inserting a long swab (like a long Q-tip) into the nose and gently rotating it several times. The swabbing is then repeated in the other nostril. The test can be a little uncomfortable but is usually painless. The swab is then sent to a lab for testing. Other types of tests use saliva or throat swabs.

While you wait for your COVID-19 test results, stay home and monitor your symptoms, to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19.

If you were tested for COVID-19 at a community testing site, you may be notified of your test results by phone or email. Some community testing sites have upgraded to a web-based system, COVID Connect 2, that allows you to create an account to access your testing results.

Yes. COVID-19 tests are available for anyone who needs a test in a variety of settings across the state.

For more information on resources available to uninsured Wisconsin residents, visit our ForwardHealth Program Resources webpage.

Before you are tested, ask if there is a charge for the test, appointment, or any other services associated with your visit. In most cases, COVID-19 testing is free if you have any symptom(s) or exposure to the virus.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) generally requires public and private insurance to cover the costs of COVID-19 testing and care.

If you are seeking testing from an out-of-network healthcare provider, please contact your health insurance provider to find out their out-of-network process. Health insurance plans must cover COVID-19 tests conducted by out-of-network providers. Individuals can be charged up-front fees for COVID-19 testing that is reimbursable. Contact your health insurer for assistance.

See answers to frequently asked questions on FFRCA and the CARES act. If you receive a bill for COVID-19 testing and/or treatment, please contact the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance to file a complaint.

You can direct complaints about a COVID-19 testing experience to DHS’ Office of Inspector General at 877-865-3432 or online. Examples of complaints could include: incorrect results, missing results, fake results, testing quality, testing site cleanliness, insurance billing, inappropriate fees for tests, testing fraud such as fake test kits, and other related topics.

COVID-19 self-tests (also called an at-home tests or over-the-counter tests) are a type of COVID-19 test that anyone can use at home or anywhere. Self-tests are easy to use and produce rapid results. Learn more about when and how to use self-tests and what your results mean.

See resources and educational materials on COVID-19 testing translated into multiple languages.

COVID-19 testing support programs are available in specific settings and facilities in Wisconsin. Testing is free, voluntary, and intended to complement COVID-19 prevention efforts. For more information on specific testing support programs, see the resources listed below:

All shelters with shared living environments are eligible to receive COVID-19 testing support.

County jails are eligible for COVID-19 testing support based on the availability of testing supplies.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have COVID-19 symptoms, you should isolate to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Learn what to do if you have COVID-19.

Call 211 or 877-947-2211 to get referrals for thousands of services across Wisconsin. For COVID-19 questions, text COVID to 211-211. Language assistance is available.

Get help learning how to manage stress and adapt to change with services and support from organizations across the state.

Find help with housing, income, food, employment, health care, mental health concerns, safety at home, and more—in multiple languages.

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