COVID-19 Treatment Options

While vaccines remain the most effective way to prevent COVID-19 infection, both people who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine and those who have been vaccinated should know about treatment options for COVID-19. These treatments have been shown to help individuals avoid serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Individuals can be tested and prescribed treatment for COVID-19 by their own health care providers (including through telehealth or phone appointment services), state-licensed pharmacists (who meet certain requirements) and other sites of care. Those who do not currently have insurance, have Medicare, Medicaid, or VA insurance, or receive care from Indian Health Services can receive free access to COVID-19 and flu testing, telehealth services, and treatment through the Home Test to Treat program.

Low Cost Virtual COVID-19 Visits for Californians

	To find a participating Test to Treat site near you: Find COVID-19 Medication near you.
	Call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 hotline, which can provide information on the Test to Treat initiative. 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.
	The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) is also available to help Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 8 PM ET or Email DIAL@usaginganddisability.org.

Whether you have COVID-19 now, or you are taking the time to learn about your treatment options before you get sick, there are a few things you should know about COVID-19:

☑ Get Free COVID-19 Tests

Every home in the U.S. became eligible to order 4 more free COVID-19 tests starting November 20, 2023. You won't pay for the tests or shipping. Before you get sick, order your free COVID-19 tests through covid.gov. With free tests on hand, you'll have the information you need to seek treatment if you do get sick.

☑ Make a Plan

Take some time to evaluate your specific risk factors for COVID-19 and make a plan to protect yourself and others if you do get sick.

☑ You've Got Options

Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir co-packaged with ritonavir) and Veklury (remdesivir) are approved therapeutics for adults (ages 18 and older). Paxlovid for pediatric patients (ages 12-17) and Lagevrio (molnupiravir, ages 18 and older) are available under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Emergency Use Authorization. Both Paxlovid and Lagevrio are pills that you can take from the comfort of your own home. Learn more about COVID-19 treatment options.

☑ Act Quickly

COVID-19 therapeutics are most effective when they are used early (within 5-7 days of your first symptom). Therapeutics are for when symptoms are mild or moderate. If you get sick with COVID-19, talk to your doctor or other health care provider immediately about the best treatment options for you.

☑ Learn about Your Risk

Many people are considered high-risk for developing COVID-19, including people who are aged 50+, people who are overweight, physically inactive, or who smoke. People who have cancer, diabetes, or a heart condition are also considered high risk. In fact, CDC has identified more than 30 health conditions that put adults, children, and youth at high risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19.

☑ Get Tested and Treated in One Place

If you want to get tested and treated in one place, you can do that at thousands of pharmacy-based clinics nationwide through the Test to Treat program .

☑ Don't Pay Full Price

Nobody should pay full price for COVID-19 therapeutics. They are covered under most major insurance programs, but you don't need insurance to get access to COVID-19 therapeutics. Help is available to people who are uninsured and people who rely on federal programs like Medicare or Medicaid. Learn how Patient Assistance Programs can help people who qualify. In addition, co-pay savings programs are available for people who have health insurance.