Skip to content
CapRadio

CapRadio

signal status listen live donate
listen live donate signal status
listen live donate signal status
  • News
    • topics
    • State Government
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • Race and Equity
    • Business
    • Arts and Lifestyle
    • Food and Sustainability
    • PolitiFact California
  • Music
    • genres
    • Classical
    • Jazz
    • Eclectic
    • Daily Playlist
  • Programs + Podcasts
    • news
    • Morning Edition
    • All Things Considered
    • Marketplace
    • Insight With Vicki Gonzalez
    • music
    • Acid Jazz
    • At the Opera
    • Classical Music
    • Connections
    • Excellence in Jazz
    • Hey, Listen!
    • K-ZAP on CapRadio
    • Mick Martin's Blues Party
    • Programs A-Z
    • Podcast Directory
  • Schedules
    • News
    • Music
    • ClassicalStream
    • JazzStream
    • Weekly Schedule
    • Daily Playlist
  • Community
    • Events Calendar
    • CapRadio Garden
    • CapRadio Reads
    • Ticket Giveaways
  • Support
    • Evergreen Gift
    • One-Time Gift
    • Corporate Support
    • Vehicle Donation
    • Stock Gift
    • Legacy Gift
    • Endowment Gift
    • Benefits
    • Member FAQ
    • e‑Newsletter
    • Drawing Winners
    • Thank You Gifts
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Close Menu
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
  • Health Care
  • State Government
  •  

Californians Can Get Coronavirus Testing For Free, Gov. Gavin Newsom Announces

Thursday, March 5, 2020 | Sacramento, CA
Rich Pedroncelli / AP Photo

In the aftermath of the first California resident to die from the coronavirus, California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a statewide emergency to deal with the virus, at a Capitol news conference in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, March 4, 2020.

Rich Pedroncelli / AP Photo

People who believe they may have coronavirus can get tested for the COVID-19 disease with no out-of-pocket cost, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday.

The California Department of Insurance and the Department of Managed Care say 24 million Californians will be eligible for free testing. It means people covered by either private insurance or Medi-Cal plans won’t have to pay for the screening or associated costs like lab work.

CDC via AP

Health Care

What You Need To Know About Coronavirus In California

"Californians shouldn't have to fear a big medical bill just because they took a test for COVID-19," Newsom said in a statement.  

Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, urged people with symptoms, or those who may have encountered someone with the illness, to call their health care provider or local public health official before seeking medical care. 

“This doesn’t mean every Californian should be seeking a test,” he said. 

The announcement comes a day after Newsom declared a state of emergency in an effort to contain the virus. 


Follow us for more stories like this

CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you.  As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.

Donate Today  

    More about Coronavirus

  • NIAID-RML via AP

    Coronavirus In California: Latest Updates And Resources

    The coronavirus has impacted nearly every aspect of life in California and around the world. Here are resources and all our coverage at CapRadio and NPR.

    Related Stories

  • Andrew Nixon / CapRadio

    Sacramento County Declares Public Health Emergency Over Coronavirus

    Thursday, March 5, 2020
    Sacramento County officials said the declaration isn't a signal of increased risk to the public, but a way to get access to potential state of federal funding.
  • Rich Pedroncelli / AP Photo

    Gov. Newsom Declares State Of Emergency After Coronavirus Death Linked To Quarantined Cruise Ship

    Wednesday, March 4, 2020
    The Grand Princess cruise ship is linked to the death of a Placer County resident and was ordered to stay offshore of San Francisco Wednesday night.
  • CDC via AP

    First California Coronavirus Death Is Placer County Patient

    Wednesday, March 4, 2020
    An elderly Placer County resident who contracted COVID-19 died Wednesday, the first in California. It comes a day after the county declared a public health emergency.

 Coronavirus

Coronavirus Newsletter

Get answers to your questions, the latest updates and easy access to the resources you need, delivered to your inbox.

 

Want to know what to expect? Here's a recent newsletter.

Thanks for subscribing!

We'll send you weekly emails so you can stay informed about the coronavirus in California.

Browse all newsletters

More Health Care Stories

Scott Olson/Getty Images

FDA authorizes first COVID booster for children ages 5 to 11

May 17, 2022

Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

The federal government is offering another round of free COVID tests

May 16, 2022

AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File

Sacramento-area schools seeing rise in COVID-19 cases, but don’t plan to require masks again

May 17, 2022

Most Viewed

Downtown Sacramento shooting: What we know and latest updates

Top California Democrats in a stalemate over gas rebates

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla will appear on California’s June primary ballot twice. Here’s why.

With California budget surplus projected at $97 billion, Newsom proposes driver rebates, more reproductive health funding

Understanding How A California Bill Dies Without Public Debate

We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter

Most Viewed

Downtown Sacramento shooting: What we know and latest updates

Top California Democrats in a stalemate over gas rebates

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla will appear on California’s June primary ballot twice. Here’s why.

With California budget surplus projected at $97 billion, Newsom proposes driver rebates, more reproductive health funding

Understanding How A California Bill Dies Without Public Debate

Back to Top

  • CapRadio

    7055 Folsom Boulevard
    Sacramento, CA 95826-2625

    • (916) 278-8900
    • Toll-free (877) 480-5900
    • Email Us
    • Submit a News Tip
  • Contact Us

  • About Us

    • Contact Us / Feedback
    • Coverage
    • Directions
    • Careers & Internships
    • Mission / Vision / Core Values
    • Press
    • Staff Directory
    • Board of Directors
  • Listening Options

    • Mobile App
    • On Air Schedules
    • Smart Speakers
    • Playlist
    • Podcasts
    • RSS
  • Connect With Us

    •  Facebook
    •  Twitter
    •  Instagram
    •  YouTube
  • Donate

  • Listen

  • Newsletters

CapRadio stations are licensed to California State University, Sacramento. © 2022, Capital Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Website Feedback FCC Public Files: KXJZ KKTO KUOP KQNC KXPR KXSR KXJS. For assistance accessing our public files, please call 916-278-8900 or email us.