Last updated August 29, 2022.
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Find a COVID-19 test
Getting tested helps slow the spread of COVID-19. It’s easy to get a free, fast, and safe COVID-19 test.
Anyone who wants a test should get one. Many Coloradans can get tested through their health care provider if they feel sick. Coloradans can also find free or low-cost tests at community testing sites, pharmacies, and rapid test distribution centers. These locations are displayed on the map below.
Tip: Click on the small rectangle with an arrow in the top left corner of the map to see a color-coded map legend. To view only free community testing sites, uncheck the boxes next to the blue and purple pins. To view only rapid test pickup sites, uncheck the boxes next to the yellow dots and purple pins. To view only no or low-cost pharmacy testing sites, uncheck the boxes next to the yellow dots and blue pins.
Yellow dots = Free community testing sites. These sites offer free laboratory-based tests to all Coloradans of all ages. You don’t need insurance or ID to get tested here. Expect to get your test results back within a few days. If you are looking for a test for a child under 3 years old, we recommend making an appointment in advance. Click on a yellow dot for more information about how to make an appointment at that location.
Blue pins = Free rapid test pickup sites. These sites give out free rapid test kits you can use at home. When you take a rapid test at home, you will get your result in 15 minutes. Find instructions for using at-home tests and reporting your results. Only people aged 2 years and older can use these rapid at-home tests.
Pink pins = Pharmacies with low or no-cost testing options. These locations take insurance. They may charge a fee for Coloradans without insurance. Pharmacies may offer rapid tests, lab-based tests, or both. Contact a specific location for more information. Most pharmacies only offer testing for patients aged 3 years and older.
At-home testing
Get free rapid tests by mail
On August 26, 2022, the Biden Administration announced that it will suspend taking orders for free tests through COVIDTests.gov. The last day to place new orders will be Friday, September 2.
Every home in the United States can now order a third round of free at-home tests using COVIDtests.gov.
USPS distributes free at-home COVID-19 tests, including tests that come with accessibility options for people who are blind or have low vision. These more accessible tests work with a smartphone app to provide audio instructions and audio test results. Learn more about more accessible tests for people who are blind or have low vision. Place your order for more accessible free tests. For assistance with ordering, call the Disability Information and Access Line at 888-677-1199. The hotline is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. MST.
Get rapid tests through insurance or Medicaid
Most people with a health plan can get an at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 test online or from a retail store. As long as the test kit is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many insurance plans will cover the cost or reimburse you.
In addition, Health First Colorado and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) will pay for at-home COVID-19 tests for members. You can get free at-home tests only at pharmacies that serve Health First Colorado and CHP+ members.
Test to Treat
As of March 2022, Coloradans can use the federal Test to Treat program to seek both testing and treatment for COVID-19. In this program, people can get tested for COVID-19 or bring the results of a home test, get a prescription for treatment from a health care provider (if appropriate), and have their prescription filled all at one location (if they are positive and treatments are appropriate). Find a Test to Treat location using ASPR’s COVID-19 Medication Map. You can also view a list of Colorado’s Test to Treat sites.
Frequently asked questions
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have a PDF infographic about what to look out for when you are getting tested. This PDF includes information about how to file a complaint if a testing site is of poor quality or may be a scam.
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Rapid tests have an expiration date printed on the box next to an hourglass icon or the words “use by.” Rapid tests are currently under FDA Emergency Use Authorization and as such, expiration dates may be extended past the date printed on the box. Please use this resource to look up lot numbers and find current extended expiration dates as authorized by the FDA. |
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Anyone who wants a test should get one.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, which can feel like a cold, you should get tested as soon as possible, even if you’re up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines. Follow instructions on how to isolate until you feel better.
If you have been around someone who has COVID-19, you should get tested five days after you were exposed, even if you’ve received all recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
If you test positive for COVID-19, follow instructions on how to isolate.
You may be able to get treatment to help you recover from COVID-19. This can help keep you from getting seriously sick and keep you out of the hospital. Coloradans can get a test and a prescription for treatment (if appropriate) in a seamless experience using the federal Test to Treat program. Learn more about treatment for COVID-19.
Let people you’ve been in contact with know that they may have been exposed. Notifying your close contacts is especially important if they could benefit from getting treatment as soon as possible. Learn more about how to tell if someone is a close contact. If you have Exposure Notifications enabled on your smartphone, use the service to anonymously alert people you have had close contact with but may not know.
Federal law requires up to two weeks paid leave for those who work for employers with fewer than 500 employees (though some employers with 50 or fewer employees may be exempt). The Colorado Health Emergency Leave with Pay Rules (“Colorado HELP Rules”) adds coverage for workers as well.
Additionally, there are many resources available to help you if you need to isolate or quarantine, including help with finances and food.