COVID-19 Testing in Maine

Who should get tested?

Current US CDC guidance indicates the following people should get tested for COVID-19:

• People who have symptoms of COVID-19.
• People who have had a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
• People who are fully vaccinated should get tested 3-5 days after exposure, and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
• People who are not fully vaccinated should quarantine and be tested immediately after being identified, and, if negative, tested again in 5–7 days after last exposure or immediately if symptoms develop during quarantine.
• People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who are prioritized for expanded community screening for COVID-19.
• People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who have been asked or referred to get testing by their school, workplace, healthcare provider, state, tribal, local or territorial health department.

What type of test do I need to cross the Canadian border?

• Currently, all travelers 5 years of age or older, regardless of citizenship, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result to enter Canada.
• Tests must be non-antigen tests, such as a PCR or NAAT test
• Tests must be taken with in 72 hours of planned entry by car, or within 72 hours of the scheduled departure for air travel.
• More information about COVID testing prior to travel to Canada

Will I be charged for a COVID-19 test?

State of Maine funded and supported sites, such as Swab and Send sites or Walgreens stores conducting antigen tests.

• Will not charge the patient or bill insurance for a test, though some sites may still collect insurance information if available.
• These sites are listed in the directory below.

Commercial pharmacy locations conducting PCR testing, such as Walgreens and CVS

• Will bill insurance for those that are insured or submit for reimbursement to Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a federal program, for those that are uninsured.
• Individuals, regardless of coverage, should not be billed directly for PCR testing.

Independent providers, urgent cares, walk-in clinics, and hospitals

• May charge or bill insurance for COVID-19 testing. Those without insurance may be responsible for any charge not covered by insurance.
• We encourage individuals to ask about cost when making an appointment or upon arrival for testing.

Do I need a doctor’s order to get a test?

Individuals who go to a State of Maine supported Swab and Send site or a commercial pharmacy for testing do not need to bring a doctor’s order to get a test.

Individuals who visit other types of testing sites may or may not be required to bring a doctor’s order.

If an individual is symptomatic, they may need to be seen by a provider prior to getting a test. We encourage individuals to ask about the need for a doctor’s order when scheduling an appointment or upon arrival for testing.

What do I do if I test positive for COVID-19?

• Isolate and wear a mask if you must be around other people, even if you are fully vaccinated
• Contact your health care provider to discuss options
• CDC guidance for those who have tested positive for COVID-19
• COVID-19 Community Supports

How do I use an at-home test for COVID-19?

At-home tests are available either by prescription or over the counter in a pharmacy, online, or in retail stores. All steps in these tests are performed at home and require a sample from inside the nose or a saliva sample. 

• At-home tests are used to detect a current infection. 
• At-home tests are self-collected and can be performed by anyone, anywhere.
• All instructions for performing the test must be followed.
• At-home tests can be used by anyone who is symptomatic regardless of their vaccination status.
• Unvaccinated persons with no COVID-19 symptoms can also use at-home tests, especially if they were potentially exposed to someone with COVID-19.
• If an individual tests positive, they should isolate and inform any close contacts. It is also recommended that a positive result from an at-home test be followed up with a PCR test to confirm infection. 

For more information about the use of at-home COVID-19 tests, please review Maine’s CDC At-Home, Self-Collection Testing Guidance (PDF). 

Where can I get tested?

The following locations are open to the public and will not bill you for testing, though many will request insurance information, if available.

This list does not include all sites available, such as urgent care facilities or primary care providers.

If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or are concerned about an exposure, we encourage you to reach out to your primary care provider.

Note: Due to high testing volume at this time the sites listed below are not currently providing testing for travel clearance.