The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is working to provide more access to COVID testing.
With the demand for testing rising, there have been long lines at some testing sites while others have had to close entirely. Because of the higher demand for tests, it has taken longer to get results back to people in some cases.
To help alleviate the strain on current testing sites, the KDHE is working to find more locations where mass testing sites can be set up. There is also an ongoing search for more partner labs to help process results.
As far as testing materials, priority is going to schools and long term care homes to help fight the spread of COVID in environments where people are close together.
Home test kits are also an option and should not require payment in some cases. You can get four free home tests from the government at special.usps.com/testkits. Insurers are now required to reimburse customers for test kits purchased over the counter. If you get a test from a pharmacy, they should be free. Insurers may cover tests at different rates so you’ll need to check with your provider. Use the link below to get details on the policy used by Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas.
