COVID-19 Testing
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act included provisions to increase the accessibility of testing while investing $6 million in our nation’s testing capabilities and diagnostics. Additionally, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act invested $25 billion for expanded testing with requirements to create a federal strategic testing plan.
What You Need to Know About COVID-19 Testing:
Elimination of out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 tests:
- The Families First Coronavirus Response Act ensures you will not have to pay for your coronavirus test even if you are uninsured.
How you can get tested for COVID-19:
- Riverside University Health System
- Call the COVID-19 Information Line at 1 (800) 945-6171 to find out if you qualify.
- You can call between 7:30am-10pm, 7 days a week.
- From there, you can be scheduled for a test at one of three sites: Indio Fair Grounds, Lake Elsinore, and Harvest Christian Church Fellowship Church.
- Call the COVID-19 Information Line at 1 (800) 945-6171 to find out if you qualify.
- Eisenhower Health
- Call the Eisenhower Health Hotline at (760) 837-8988 to discuss any symptom concerns before presenting at any facility.
- The line is staffed 24 hours a day by registered nurses.
- Call the Eisenhower Health Hotline at (760) 837-8988 to discuss any symptom concerns before presenting at any facility.
- Desert Aids Project (DAP)
- Call the DAP COVID-19 Hotline at (760) 992-0407. If the DAP clinician screening you determines you need testing, you will be instructed to come in.
- Riverside County Fairgrounds
- Drive-up testing is taking place in parking lots 5 and 5A off of Arabia Street--between Highway 111 and Dr. Carreon Boulevard.
- As of May 5, 2020, eight additional testing sites have opened up throughout Riverside County. If you would like to get tested for COVID-19, visit https://lhi.care/covidtesting or call 888-634-1123 to make an appointment at the facility closest to you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Testing:
How do I know if I should be tested for COVID-19?
- If you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, call any of the above hotlines to find out if you should get tested.
Why must I be screened for a test before I come in?
- There may be limited testing due to a shortage of tests or personal protective equipment for medical workers.
Am I considered part of a priority group to get tested for COVID-19?
- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended that health care providers use their best judgment to determine which patients should be tested.
- The CDC has prioritized patients who are hospitalized with COVID-19 symptoms, symptomatic health care workers, and symptomatic high-risk individuals. You can read the full guidance here.