Hays County offers free testing for uninsured, underinsured, indigent patients

SAN MARCOS, Texas - Hays County is partnering with two medical facilities to offer free COVID-19 testing for those with symptoms who are uninsured, underinsured, or indigent. 

Beginning April 29, individuals with symptoms who can't afford to pay for testing can begin the screening process by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 512-393-5525 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1-3 p.m. The hotline is open for general COVID-19 questions from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Following the screening, Live Oak Health Partners Community Clinic will contact them to discuss whether the screening indicates a test should be given and if it is, to schedule an appointment at its San Marcos location or Live Oak Health Partners Primary Care in Wimberley.

To qualify for a test, an individual must:

• Be uninsured, underinsured, or financially unable to pay for testing/laboratory fees
• Meet the assessment criteria for testing, which will be determined during the screening call
• Be a resident of Hays County

According to the CDC’s current list of symptoms, a person should seek a COVID-19 test if they have a cough or shortness of breath and two or more symptoms including fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell. The screening process also includes questions about recent travel and contact with persons who have had a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19.

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Live Oak facilities will also be testing their own and new patients by appointment during this same time period and will see patients who have insurance or self-pay. Those individuals should contact Live Oak directly at 512-805-5650 for appointments at either location.

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