When to Get Tested

Here’s when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) says you should consider getting a COVID-19 test:

• If you have symptoms, test immediately.
• If you were exposed to COVID-19 and do not have symptoms, wait at least 5 full days after your exposure before testing unless you develop symptoms. If you test too early, you may be more likely to get an inaccurate result.
• If you are in certain high-risk settings, you may need to test as part of a screening testing program.
• Consider testing before contact with someone at high risk for severe COVID-19, especially if you are in an area with a medium or high COVID-19 Community Level.

As of September 25, 2023:

• The federal government will mail four (4) free at-home tests to your household. Order your tests at covidtests.gov.
• The FDA has extended expiration dates for some COVID-19 tests, giving them a longer shelf life. To check for an extended expiration date, visit the FDA webpage on at-home tests, which indicates the brands that have an extended date, and a PDF for each test with new expiration dates.
• Most commercial health insurers in Massachusetts do not currently cover the cost of at-home COVID-19 tests, though they may cover COVID-19 tests ordered by a doctor.
• People on Medicare can no longer receive free at-home COVID tests from Medicare unless they are covered by a Medicare Advantage plan that chooses to offer the benefit.
• People on Medicaid programs, such as MassHealth, have access to free COVID-19 at-home tests until September 30, 2024.

COVID-19 Testing Sites

There are many sites in the community offering no-cost COVID-19 testing, including many local pharmacies and labs. These tests are ordered by a doctor, and the sites bill your health insurance company for the test. Find locations that offer these types of COVID-19 tests near you. 

You can access your digital COVID-19 test results through the MyChart patient portal or on the MyChart app or contact your ordering provider. 
 

What if I test positive for COVID-19?

Keep track of your symptoms. Symptoms can vary.

• If you are asymptotic or experiencing mild symptoms: Stay home to slow the spread, and self-isolate at home to protect your family. Be sure everyone is following CDC prevention practices like mask-wearing, cough covering and hand washing. Be sure to get plenty of fluids, stay hydrated, and get lots of rest. Check in with your provider regarding treatment.
• If you have moderate symptoms: Self-isolate at home, and call your doctor/provider (or an urgent care center) to discuss treatment options.
• If you have severe symptoms and are experiencing a medical emergency: Call 9-1-1.
   

What does it mean if I have a negative COVID-19 test result?

A negative test result means that you probably were not infected with COVID-19 at the time your sample was collected. You should continue taking steps to protect yourself from COVID-19, including wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and getting vaccinated. If you test early, you may not yet have enough virus in your body to test positive, so consider retesting later.