May 15, 2023 – As the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved, our country has witnessed unprecedented challenges and the implementation of numerous public health measures. We are pleased to announce that the public health emergency related to COVID-19 has concluded, marking a significant step forward in our fight against the virus.
As part of this transition, starting May 22, 2023, COVID-19 PCR testing will no longer be free of charge and will require medical necessity and insurance information. This decision was made after careful evaluation of county prevalence and is in alignment with State and Federal guidelines.
COVID-19 testing has played a critical role in helping to identify and mitigate the spread of the virus in our county. Jefferson Healthcare is proud to have played a significant role in community testing. With the pandemic under control and county prevalence low, it is important to ensure that our healthcare system is able to continue providing necessary care while balancing the need for cost-effective testing.
Individuals seeking COVID-19 PCR testing should contact the COVID Nurse Consult line at 360.344.3094 to determine if they meet medical necessity criteria. Insurance information will also be required to cover the cost of the test. We understand that this may cause inconvenience to some, but we hope that the community will understand that this decision was made in the best interest of public health and the long-term sustainability of our healthcare system.
Free home tests for individuals with symptoms or those who were in close contact are available at the Brinnon Fire Dept., Discovery Bay Fire Dept, Jefferson County Library & Bookmobile, Jefferson County Public Health Office, and the Quilcene Fire Department.
We appreciate the efforts of our healthcare workers, public health officials, and community members who have worked tirelessly to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on our community. We encourage everyone to continue following public health guidelines and to get the COVID booster if eligible.