COVID-19 Testing and Treatment

COVID-19 Testing

Information on when to get tested, how to access tests and use at-home COVID-19 tests

For assistance in scheduling a COVID-19 testing or vaccine appointment, call the Community Action Board helpline (831) 440-3556 (assistance is available in English, Spanish, Mixteco and Triqui).

Si ocupa asistencia para hacer una cita para pruebas y vacunas de COVID-19, llame a la línea de ayuda de la Junta de Acción Comunitaria (831) 440-3556 (la asistencia está disponible en inglés, español, mixteco y triqui).

The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) helps people with disabilities get connected to information about local community resources that support independent living including scheduling a vaccine and COVID-19 test appointment. Get connected with DIAL by phone call, text message or videophone at: (888) 677-1199, or email DIAL@usaginganddisability.org.

Find a nearby testing location in California at MyTurn.ca.gov. 

People without health insurance do not have to pay for COVID-19 testing at Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) locations. Uninsured patients can search for a nearby ICATT location by using the CDC No-Cost COVID-19 Testing Locator. 

Individuals interested in any of these testing sites should contact the testing provider or visit the testing provider website for the most current information, including holiday hours.

COVID-19 Testing Sites

COVID-19 Treatment

Treatments must be started early, so don't delay testing. Everyone 12 years and older who tests positive for COVID-19 and has symptoms should ask a doctor about treatment. While treatments can prevent hospitalization and death, they are not a substitute for vaccination. Vaccination remains the safest, most effective way to protect you from COVID-19.

If you tested positive for COVID-19, are having symptoms, and are unable to connect with a medical provider within 24 hours of your positive test, you can call (833) 686-5051 or make an appointment at www.sesamecare.com/COVID for a telehealth visit. All providers have access to a translation service and can prescribe COVID-19 medication if appropriate. Please note, as of March 1, 2024, Sesamecare is no longer a free service provided by the state of California.

Patient Assistance Programs (for Covid-19 Treatment costs):
Although there may be a cost for medications, Covid-19 treatment should remain free or low-cost for most patients through insurance and/or Patient Assistance Programs. Manufacturers are offering programs, regardless of insurance status, to people who are uninsured, have commercial insurance which does not cover the cost of the medications, or are enrolled in a state/federal insurance program such as Medicare, Medi-Cal, Tricare, and VA.  If you need assistance getting medications for free or at low-cost, please call the customer support number to speak with a program representative.

For Paxlovid (nirmatrelvi​​r/ritonavir): 877-219-7225

• PAXCESS Patient Support Program
• Pfizer Co-Pay Savings Program Online Enrollment Form
• Paxlovid Co-Pay Savings Program Rebate Form

For Lagevrio (mo​lnupiravir): 800-727-5400

• Merck Patient Assistance Program
• Merck Patient Assistance Program Enrollment Form (English | Spanish)

For Veklury (remd​​esivir): 800-226-2056

• Gilead's Advancing Access - Patient Assistance Program and Co-Pay Program
• Advancing Access Patient Enrollment Form

To learn more about Patient Assistance Programs, visit the CDPH Covid Treatment FAQ page (see question, How much do COVID-19 medications cost?). If you need further assistance with finding COVID-19 medications, call the California Department of Public Health Call Center at 833-422-4255, or email CDPHtherapeutics@cdph.ca.gov.