COVID-19 Testing Overview

Posted on: August 9, 2021 - 11:37am
covid-19 testing

COVID-19 Testing Information

The East Hartford Health Department recommends that anyone with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 get tested, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. Everyone is eligible for COVID-19 services, regardless of immigration status. Testing, treatment, and vaccinations paid for by the federal government will not affect anyone’s immigration status or be shared with immigration agencies. You do not need a Social Security Number or government ID to receive free COVID-19 services.

  • If you are uninsured and receive a bill related to COVID-19 testing or treatment, ask your provider to bill the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program instead of you.
  • You cannot be billed for COVID-19 services if you are uninsured and the government is paying your healthcare provider for your care. If you receive a bill, and you already paid, you may be owed a refund and you should first speak to the person or facility that sent it.
  • If they don’t cancel the bill or give you a refund, contact the HHS Office of Inspector General Hotline at 1-800-HHS-TIPS or visit https://TIPS.HHS.GOV to file a complaint.
  • The doctor, pharmacy, or clinic may ask for your social security number or government ID, but it is only to help them confirm you don’t have insurance so they can get paid by the Uninsured Program.
  • You will still be treated, tested, or vaccinated for COVID-19 if you are not able to provide a Social Security Number or government ID.
  • More information regarding the CARES Act for patients.

Where can I get tested for COVID-19?

For a list of community COVID-19 testing sites, click here.

Individuals can also order free at-home COVID-19 test kits via USPS by clicking here.

  • Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 free at-home tests.
  • Limit of one order per residential address.
  • One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests.
  • For more information, visit the FDA website.
  • For assistance placing an order, please call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

Who should get tested for current infection?

  • People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Most people who have had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone with confirmed COVID-19.
  • Fully vaccinated people should be tested 3-5 days following a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
  • People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 3 months and recovered do not need to get tested following an exposure as long as they do not develop new symptoms.
  • Unvaccinated people who have taken part in activities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19 because they cannot physically distance as needed to avoid exposure, such as travel, attending large social or mass gatherings, or being in crowded or poorly-ventilated indoor settings.
  • People who have been asked or referred to get tested by their healthcare provider, or state, tribal, or territorial health department.
  • More information about what your test results mean.

What if my Test Kit is Expired?

On January 11, 2023, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted another three-month shelf-life extension for iHealth COVID-19 antigen rapid tests, bringing the current extension to 15 months from the date of manufacture and nine months from date printed on the kit.

Before you throw out "expired" tests, please visit the links below to view the FDA authorized antigen rapid test kits products, extensions, and to look up the new expiration dates:

  • FDA iHealth Extension
  • For a full list of all COVID-19 rapid antigen self-test kits approved for use by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization, and details on their shelf-life extensions, click here