Embry Health begins charging uninsured for COVID tests, closes 60 Arizona sites

PHOENIX – Phoenix-based Embry Health began charging uninsured patients $100 for COVID-19 tests Tuesday, two weeks after federal reimbursement came to an end.

The largest COVID-testing source in the Arizona also said it suspended testing services at 60 sites across the state late last week.

Embry said it now provides about 2,200 tests per day, down from 46,000 at the peak of the omicron variant wave, with about half of the patients lacking insurance.

“Embry Health had to make the hard decision to begin charging patients,” the health services group said in a press release, adding it hoped the federal program resumed.

Health Resources and Services Administration stopped reimbursement for free testing March 22.

Patients will be given the option to pay by card while registering online for their appointment, Embry said.

The health group also operates in Florida, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Washington.

“Embry Health continues to encourage Congress to authorize additional timely funding for COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccinations,” CEO Raymond Embry said.

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