Free COVID-19 testing for uninsured, underinsured and indigent residents

Hays County has partnered with two Live Oak medical facilities to offer free COVID-19 testing for individuals with symptoms who are uninsured, underinsured, or indigent. This includes the office in Wimberley.

Beginning Wednesday, April 29, those individuals with symptoms who cannot 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 to 3 p.m. The hotline remains open for general COVID-19 questions from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Following the screening, Live Oak Health Partners Community Clinic will contact the individual to discuss whether the screening indicates a test should be given and if it is, to schedule an appointment at its 401 Broadway, San Marcos, location or Live Oak Health Partners Primary Care in Wimberley.

Qualifications for a free test:

1. Be uninsured, underinsured, or financially unable to pay for testing/laboratory fees

2. Meet the assessment criteria for testing, which will be determined during the screening call

3. Be a resident of Hays County

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

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