Predicine COVID-19 Testing: FAQ

Yes. The federal guidancePDF requires health plans to provide testing at no cost to everyone (even those without COVID-19 symptoms or possible exposure to COVID-19). You do not need to be an "essential worker" to get a COVID-19 test.

To get tested you can go to any COVID-19 testing provider authorized or licensed by the state. You do not need to go to a provider that is in your health plan's or health insurer's provider network. You do not need to get permission from your health plan or health insurer before going to get a COVID-19 test. And you do not need to pay a co-payment for a COVID-19 test.

For the uninsured, the government pays for all necessary COVID-19 testing and care. Check your symptoms using the Symptom Screener or by talking to your doctor.

Turnaround time for coronavirus test results is usually less than two days. Approximately two-thirds are returned within a day and more than 85% are available within two days.

This turnaround time includes shipping time. So for labs that process home testing kits, turnaround time may depend on when an individual mails back their kit.

If you haven't received your test results and it's been several days, contact:

• Your healthcare provider,
• Testing service, or
• Local health department.

Read more at California's COVID-19 Testing Task Force.

The following are accepted:

• Printed document from your test provider or laboratory
• An email or text message displayed on your phone from your test provider or laboratory

The information provided should include name of person tested, type of test performed, and date of negative test result. For PCR, the date of negative result must be within the prior 72 hours; for antigen, the date of negative result must be within the prior 24 hours.

If you continue to have no symptoms, you can be with others after 10 days have passed since your test.

The CDC has detailed recommendations for people who test positive but have no symptoms.

You should self-isolate from others in your household who have not tested positive. Sleep and stay in a separate room from them, and use a separate bathroom, if possible. Multiple infected people in the same household can use the same room for isolation.

Members of your household should get tested right away. They should quarantine for at least 14 days:

• Close contacts who have never had any symptoms may discontinue quarantine after Day 10 from the date of last exposure without testing.
• If you are released from quarantine before Day 14 after exposure, you must:
• Monitor yourself daily for COVID-19 symptoms through Day 14 and if symptoms occur, immediately self-isolate and contact your local public health department or healthcare provider to get tested.
• Wear a mask or facial covering around others, continue to wash your hands frequently, and stay at least 6 feet from others through Day 14.

You do not have to quarantine if:

• You recovered from COVID-19 within the past 3 months and have no new symptoms.
• You are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and show no symptoms.