How Test to Treat Works for Individuals and Families

While vaccination continues to provide the best protection against COVID-19, treatments are now widely available to help prevent serious illness in persons with mild or moderate COVID-19 who are at increased risk for severe outcomes.

The Test to Treat program provides a convenient option for timely access to lifesaving COVID-19 treatments, which must be started within a few days of when your symptoms begin in order to work. Through the Test to Treat program, you can be tested for COVID-19, see a health care provider, receive a prescription for a medication (if you are eligible), and have the prescription filled—all in one location.

Many Test to Treat locations have telehealth options, so you can get evaluated by a health care professional through a virtual appointment to see if a treatment is right for you.

In addition to the Test to Treat program, you can continue to be tested and treated by your own health care provider. Providers can prescribe these oral antivirals (either in-person or through telehealth) and you can fill your prescriptions at locations where the antivirals are distributed.

Step 1: Get Tested

Get tested for COVID-19 at a Test to Treat site or discuss your positive test results from an at-home test or other testing location.

There are over 2,500 Test to Treat locations nationwide, including at pharmacies, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded community health centers, and other community locations. You can find COVID-19 medications.

You can also call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) to get help in English, Spanish, and more than 150 other languages. The call center is open from 8AM to 8PM ET Monday through Friday and 8AM to 5PM ET Saturday and Sunday.

In addition, the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL), 888-677-1199, is available to help people with disabilities get access to services.

Step 2: Meet with a Health Care Provider or State-Licensed Pharmacist

You can meet (in person or via telehealth) with a health care provider or, at some locations, a state-licensed pharmacist. During your appointment, the health care provider or pharmacist will determine if you are eligible to receive COVID-19 oral antiviral treatment. These treatments are available for people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. Learn more about what it means to be at increased risk.

Bring the following resources with you when you visit a Test to Treat site:

1. Contact information for your primary care physician (if available); and
2. Medications, or a list of the medications, you are currently taking with you to your appointment
3. Electronic or printed health records less than 12 months old, including the most recent kidney and liver-related reports, especially if you will be evaluated by a state-licensed pharmacist.

If you are eligible for oral antivirals, you will get a prescription, which can be filled on-site.

Step 3: Get Treated

Ask the on-site or affiliated pharmacist to fill the prescription. Once your prescription has been filled, you can take your oral antiviral pills with you to begin treatment.

If you have any questions about how to take the medication, be sure to ask your health care provider or pharmacist. Learn more about the two oral antiviral medications available through Test to Treat, Paxlovid and Lagevrio (molnupiravir).