Delawareans queue at a Curative test site at Delaware Technological Community College Terry Campus in Dover, Del. on Sunday, May 23, 2021. (Photo/Betsy Price)
Delaware’s COVID-19 testing partner Curative Inc. will not renew its contract with the state when it expires in two weeks.
Wednesday, Dec. 28 will be the last day for Curative test site collection.
Other Curative sites, such as the one located at the University of Delaware, have already closed. The last day for Curative testing at Delaware State Service Centers will be Friday, Dec. 23.
How to get tested without Curative
There will still be several places to test for COVID-19, including pharmacies, federally-qualified health centers and provider offices.
The first step to finding a COVID test is to search the Division of Public Health’s online testing locator.
Most in-person testing sites require a patient to show their insurance card. Those without insurance will likely be charged.
“Often, medically necessary tests will be at no charge, but non-medically necessary testing could cost $130 or more for people who are uninsured,” the agency said. “Contact the site in advance to confirm insurance requirements.”
Uninsured and underinsured Delawareans can visit a DPH Public Health Clinic for free testing.
Those who need test results for travel should search the testing locator to find out which sites offer PCR tests because rapid antigen tests do not satisfy federal travel requirements.
Individuals may also contact their primary care physician for COVID testing options.
At-home COVID tests
The White House recently announced that it is making up to four free at-home tests per household available at covidtest.gov.
Tests will be mailed to your home after registration.
Insured individuals are eligible for up to eight free at-home tests per covered member per month. Most people with a health plan can go online, or to a pharmacy or store to get an at-home COVID-19 test at no cost, either through reimbursement or free of charge through their insurance.
Delawareans with Medicare Part B, including those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, have access to over-the-counter COVID-19 tests at no cost. The initiative continues until the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. People with Medicare can get up to eight tests per calendar month from participating pharmacies and health care providers.
Community Organizations can order cases of free at-home test kits from DPH to distribute within their communities by filling out this form and emailing it to this email address.
At-home test kits are available for purchase at pharmacies, grocery stores and many other locations throughout the state. Most cost between $10 and $25.
What not to do
The Division of Public Health asks that people do not go to a hospital emergency department to obtain a COVID test.
“Hospitals are managing heavy volumes of patient visits for influenza and other respiratory viruses and a COVID-test in and of itself is not considered an emergency,” the agency said in a press release.
“You should visit an emergency department if you are having chest pains or difficulty breathing, have serious burns, or broken bones.”
Division of Public Health Interim Director Rick Hong said he recognizes that some people may be concerned about Curative’s decision not to renew its contract.
“We want to reassure Delawareans that there remains ample access to COVID-19 testing in the state,” Hong said.
“DPH will continue to support federal programs that facilitate testing and treatments, continue to offer free testing at public health clinics, and inform the public about how to obtain at-home test kits, in most cases, for free.”
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