Testing Information and Locations

Updated 01/23/23

Testing is an important part of protecting yourself, your family, and your community from COVID-19. For more information on COVID-19 testing in Oregon, visit the Oregon Health Authority. 

Please do not seek COVID-19 testing at an Emergency Room unless you have severe symptoms that require a visit to the ER on their own. Many providers are able to administer COVID-19 tests, such as urgent care facilities or certain pharmacies. A list of some local testing outlets can be found here.

On This Page:

• Different kinds of tests
• At-Home tests covered by insurance
• Free at-home tests delivered to your door
• Where to find a COVID-19 test

Different kinds of tests

There are two different kinds of COVID-19 tests widely available right now: Rapid antigen tests (RAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. 

• Rapid antigen tests, also called at-home test, are available over the counter at pharmacies and provide a result in as little as 15 minutes without the need to wait for results from a lab. These tests are best used by people who have had a known exposure to COVID-19, or people who currently have symptoms of COVID-19.
   
• PCR testing is usually conducted by a medical provider or testing site. A sample is collected and then sent to a lab, where it is tested for the presence of COVID-19. 

For more information visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Test for Current Infection.

At-Home tests covered by insurance

Beginning January 15, 2022, private insurance must cover the cost of at home COVID-19 test kits. Up to 8 tests per month, per person, will be covered. For more information, visit: US Department of Health and Human Services.

Additionally, members of the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) and the Citizen Alien Waived Emergent Medical (CAWEM) program who have symptoms of COVID-19 or have had an exposure can receive up to 4 tests per month. For more information, visit: COVID-19 Home Tests for OHP members.

PCR tests continue to be covered by most forms of insurance, and are available in Benton County for free for people without coverage. For more information about free testing, please call our COVID-19 Call Center at 541-766-6120.

Free at-home tests delivered to your door

Effective December 15, 2022, four free at-home COVID-19 rapid tests are available for order through the United States Postal Service. Orders will start shipping the week of December 19, 2022. To sign up and for more information, please visit: www.covid.gov/tests.  Learn more at: USPS At-Home COVID-19 Tests FAQ.

Please note that some of the tests sent out through this service are marked as expired on the box, but they are still good to use. iHealth received an extension to its expiration date, which applies to many boxes of rapid tests that are already on the market. You can find more information on their website.

Where to find a COVID-19 test

Here are some locations offering PCR testing in Benton County. This is not an exhaustive list, many medical providers are offering COVID-19 testing. If an appointment is needed, follow the link in the table below to go to that location's scheduler. 

Rapid antigen tests are available at many pharmacies throughout Benton County as supplies allow. Please check with your preferred pharmacy or wherever you get your medical supplies.

There are also testing opportunities in neighboring Linn and Lincoln Counties. Please check their websites for more information: 

• Linn County COVID-19 Testing Information
• Lincoln County COVID-19 Testing Information