How to Get a COVID-19 Diagnostic or Antibody Test in NH
“What’s the difference between a COVID-19 diagnostic test and the COVID-19 antibody tests you’ve been hearing about? Where can you get them and how much do they cost?”
Think You May Have An Active Case? Get a Diagnostic Test
Regardless of your insurance status, if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, are over age 60, have an underlying health condition, or you believe you may have been exposed an infected person, you can and should get tested.
If you are insured, your coverage will pay the full cost with no deductible.
If you are uninsured, the state will cover the full cost of your test.
If you have a regular doctor, he or she can arrange a test for you.
But if you don’t—or if your doctor isn’t available—you can arrange to be tested at one of seven locations that are part of NH’s Community-Based COVID-19 Testing Program. But before you go, you must sign up for an appointment. There are three ways to do it:
Email covidtesting@dhhs.nh.gov, or
Call the COVID-19 Coordinating Office at 603-271-5980. Note: There are now seven drive-through testing locations through the state. They are located in Claremont, Concord (newly-opened), Lancaster, Milford, Plymouth, Tamworth and Rochester.
Manchester Public Health and Nashua Public Health are running separate test sites for residents of those communities.
ConvenientMD is also offering COVID-19 testing at a drive-through location at Pease Tradeport for a slightly narrower group of people, including anyone currently displaying symptoms as well for asymptomatic health care workers and first responders . As with the Community Testing Program, the state will cover the cost of your testing arranged through ConvenientMD if you don’t have health insurance. You can find more info here. To arrange testing at this location, contact ConvenientMD at 603-570-2800 or complete the pre-registration form at https://convenientmd.com/patient-pre-registration-form/.
Think You Once Had COVID-19 and Want to Be Tested for Potential Immunity ? Get an Antibody Test
Unlike the diagnostic tests that look for active infections, antibody testing can tell you were previously infected with the virus and have since recovered. The presence of certain antibodies can be a sign that your body has already had an immune response to COVID-19.
In NH, antibody testing is available at 8 ClearChoiceMD locations across the state, including locations in Alton, Belmont, Epping, Goffstown, Hooksett, Lebanon, Portsmouth, Tilton and Lincoln.
Most major insurance carriers will cover the $139 testing cost, but the state has entered into a contract with ClearChoiceMD to cover the cost for those who are not covered.
For more information on locations and how to get a test, see the ClearChoiceMD website. Note: ClearChoiceMD also offers diagnostic testing, so make sure you schedule yourself for the specific test you want.