No insurance and have COVID-19? Here’s where to go for free treatment in Charlotte

Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 are on the rise in the Charlotte area, but those without insurance may have trouble finding access to treatment.

From Sept. 2-9, there were 96 COVID-related hospitalizations reported in Mecklenburg County, a 22% increase from the previous week, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Since the national COVID-19 public health emergency ended in May, many uninsured individuals lost access to free and low-cost testing, vaccines, and treatment, NBC News reported.

However, there are still some clinics in Charlotte that offer free services. The state also offers a program to help those without insurance pay for services if they are charged a fee.

Where to go for COVID testing

You can find Test to Treat locations, where you can be tested for COVID-19 and receive treatment in the same appointment, on the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services website.

Providers will offer assistance if you don’t have insurance, but you could be charged a fee, according to NCDHHS. The department recommends calling the clinic you plan to visit beforehand to find out.

The National Institutes of Health also offers a free Home Test to Treat program for uninsured and underinsured individuals who are at least 18 years old. You can enroll in the program online to receive free tests, telemedicine and treatment delivered to your door within two days.

How to pay for COVID treatment

The North Carolina Medicaid Optional COVID-19 Testing, Treatment and Vaccination program offers reimbursement for COVID-19 care costs for those without insurance.

To be eligible, an individual must:

Applications can be completed online at epass.nc.gov.