We understand that this is a confusing time. Information about the coronavirus&mdash;including where, how, and when to get tested for it&mdash;changes regularly. In the event you&rsquo;ll need COVID-19 testing, knowing where to go before you need care will help you save money and give you peace of mind. Blue Cross&reg; Blue Shield&reg; of Arizona (BCBSAZ) is here to help.
 
Who should get tested?
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
 <li>People who have <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html" target="_blank" title="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html">symptoms of COVID-19</a>. </li>
 <li>People who have had <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/contact-tracing/contact-tracing-plan/appendix.html#contact" target="_blank" title="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/contact-tracing/contact-tracing-plan/appendix.html#contact">close contact</a> (within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone with confirmed COVID-19. </li>
 <li>People who have taken part in activities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19 because they cannot socially distance as needed, such as travel, attending large social or mass gatherings, or being in crowded indoor settings. </li>
 <li>People who have been asked or referred to get testing by their healthcare provider, local or state health department.</li>
</ul>

 
Where can people get a COVID-19 test?&nbsp; 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
Visit <a href="https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease-epidemiology/index.php#novel-coronavirus-testing" target="_blank">azdhs.gov</a> for an interactive map of COVID-19 testing sites. Pre-registration may be required, call or visit the website of the COVID-19 testing site before visiting the location. 
 


What does the COVID-19 test cost?
Nothing for BCBSAZ members. We are waiving copay and co-insurance for COVID-19 diagnostic tests that are:&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
 <li>Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)</li>
 <li>Ordered by a physician (MD/DO), nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or authorized pharmacist</li>
 <li>Performed according to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</li>
</ul>
To avoid unnecessary costs, members should have their test administered by or at a testing event conducted by a laboratory, a provider, or a healthcare facility such as a:
<ul>
 <li>Hospital</li>
 <li>Healthcare screening conducted by a licensed healthcare provider (MD/DO, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant)</li>
 <li>Government organization (which requires a provider&rsquo;s order to be covered by BCBSAZ)</li>
</ul>
 
Note:&nbsp;It&rsquo;s important to not go to the ER specifically for a COVID-19 test. While the test is covered, you will need a doctor referral to avoid out-of-pocket costs.&nbsp;
Remember that when it comes to your health, you can rely on BCBSAZ. Start at <a href="https://www.azblue.com/coronavirus" target="_blank">azblue.com/coronavirus</a>, where you&rsquo;ll find a collection of articles with ideas and updates to help you navigate life in the era of COVID-19.

Avoid out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 testing