Now that the Families First Act has been signed, if you need to visit the doctor’s office for coronavirus testing your insurance should cover the cost of the test and related office visit.
But just because the test and the doctor visit are free does not mean you should be tested if you don’t exhibit any symptoms, says Robert McLean, M.D., president of the American College of Physicians and a practicing physician at the Northeast Medical Group of Yale New Haven Health in Connecticut.
If you have a fever, a dry cough, or shortness of breath, or you’ve traveled recently and have breathing problems, get a test, McLean says. To do that, you’ll need a doctor’s recommendation. (Read more about when you should be tested if you think you have symptoms of the coronavirus.)
In addition, any medical care or treatments you receive in the doctor’s office, or in places such as urgent care or walk-in clinics, will not be free but instead will be billed through your insurance. So you will still have your typical co-pays and other out-of-pocket expenses for that care.