COVID-19: Information on Testing
How do I get a COVID-19 Test?
There are multiple ways of getting a COVID-19 test in Montgomery County. Currently, all of the County's testing sites in White Oak (2121 Industrial Parkway -VEIP station), Wheaton (Wheaton Recreation Center, 11701 Georgia Avenue) and Germantown (20010 Century Boulevard) require an appointment. To find other available test sites in Maryland visit the Maryland Department of Health's
Test Sites:
Testing by appointment is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) site in White
Oak (2121 Industrial Parkway). This site is a partnership with the Maryland Department of Health.
Montgomery County Health and Human Services also provides testing by appointment on Wednesdays and Fridays at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center (11701 Georgia Avenue) and on Mondays in the parking garage behind the Regal Theaters in Germantown (20010 Century Boulevard).
We offer testing to county residents who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 but do not have symptoms. We also offer testing to residents who need testing to meet work requirements.
Testing is free but appointments are needed. If you have insurance, we will ask for your information but there are no co-pays or deductibles.
If you would like to be tested, call the testing helpline at 240-777-1755 (8 a.m. - 8 p.m. /7 days per week).
The State of Maryland is also partnering with CVS pharmacies to provide drive-through testing at 17 locations in Maryland. For more information on the partnership and to find other testing sites throughout Maryland, visit the Maryland Department of Health's website.
Montgomery County has recently contracted with Rockville-based
AdvaGenix to acquire thousands of COVID-19 tests which are self-administered and use an oral swab (mouth). Beginning immediately, the County will make the tests available to first responders, staff and residents at long term care facilities, and County Department of Corrections employees. In June, there will be enough testing to provide tests to the general public. More details on those testing locations will be available soon.
See the full
press release announcing the AdvaGenix contract.
I Have Health Insurance
For the Montgomery County sites listed above, follow these instructions:
- Step One: First, call your health care provider.
- Step Two: If your health care provider thinks you need a test, they will order one for you and help you schedule an appointment at a site convenient for you.
I Do Not Have Health Insurance
A testing helpline is available for residents who believe they need testing but do not have a primary care provider or do not have health insurance. Residents can call 240-777-1755 (8 a.m. - 8 p.m. seven days a week) and they will be evaluated to see if they need testing. If they need testing and do not have a doctor, they will be contacted within 24 hours by a volunteer medical professional who can order testing.
If you do not have health insurance, you can also enroll in coverage during a special Maryland Health Connection enrollment period. For more information about applying for Medicaid or a qualified health plan through the Maryland Health Connection, visit the County's Department of Health and Human Services website. If you are not eligible for Medicaid or a plan through the Maryland Health Connection, you may be eligible for the Montgomery Cares program. Montgomery Cares is a network of community-based health care providers who provide primary medical care services to uninsured adults in Montgomery County.
- Ten different clinics provide services in more than 25 locations in Montgomery County.
- If you are not eligible for Medicaid, Medicare or a qualified health plan through the Maryland Health Connection, you may be eligible for Montgomery Cares.
- Visit the Montgomery Cares website for information on clinics and locations.
- There are no walk ins; call ahead for an appointment.
- Clinic hours may be subject to change as the situation evolves and clinics are increasingly utilizing telemedicine.