COVID cases from new variant are rising around Kansas City. Where to find free tests near you

Natalie Wallington, Joseph Hernandez

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in January 2022 but has been last updated on July 12, 2022.

Cases of COVID-19 are rising up to levels not seen since the end of the omicron wave around Kansas City, in large part due to the new BA.5 variant that is more resistant to immunity and vaccines.

If you are looking for a test around Kansas City, these are some of your options.

At-home testing

The federal government launched a program earlier this year that will send at-home tests to your household for free. They used to be in packs of four, but now you can get packs of eight tests sent to your home, and people are now eligible for the third round of free tests. You can sign up at covid.gov/tests.

At-home tests are also available at many pharmacies, and you may be able to get them for free or get reimbursed through your insurance.

If you take an at-home test in Johnson County, you can report the result here. This will help health officials gauge the state of the pandemic in the area. No contact tracing will be done due to these reports, and all personal information will be kept confidential.

Residents who aren’t able to get an at-home test can visit the testing sites below for free COVID-19 testing. Call in advance to make sure your chosen location is open and has the tests you’re looking for.

Missouri COVID testing locations

No appointment needed:

Appointment required:

  • Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, 825 Euclid Ave. Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. but closed from noon until 1 p.m. Call 816-474-4920 or 816-889-4795 to set up an appointment.

  • University Health, both Downtown & Lakewood campuses. Call 816-404-2273 to schedule an appointment.

Five different Curative test locations:

Pharmacies offering testing by appointment:

The state of Missouri offers a full list of test sites online here. Some private clinics and urgent care facilities also offer COVID-19 testing, but they may not be free. Always call in advance to make an appointment and be sure your chosen location has the test you want. Some private clinics may charge for COVID-19 tests, so ask about the cost in advance of your appointment.

Kansas COVID testing locations

No appointment needed:

  • Unified Government Public Health Dept. 4313 State Ave., Kansas City, KS. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Wednesdays at 2106 Quindaro Blvd., Kansas City, KS, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Appointment required:

  • Rapid Test KC drive-thru clinic at 8510 W. 135th St. in Overland Park. Rapid antigen tests which check for current infection are free, while PCR and other tests cost $165 and above. Register online.

Pharmacies offering testing by appointment:

Kansas residents can find a map of other COVID testing locations on the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s website. Many of these locations require appointments, so call in advance. Residents of Johnson County and Wyandotte County can find more information about COVID testing on each county’s respective website.

Paid tests

The tests listed above are generally available for free. These ones require either health insurance or out-of-pocket payment. If you can afford them, the options below may provide a quicker test result.

  • GS Labs’ Kansas City clinic at 4341 NE Chouteau Trafficway offers rapid antigen and standard PCR testing for free, but only if you have health insurance. It also offers rapid PCR tests for $299. Register online here.

  • MyHomeLabs at 15112 Glenwood Ave. in Overland Park offers PCR Testing with same day results at a cost of $130 per test. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can purchase a test online here. Call 1-800-484-2712 for more information.

Did we miss a testing location near you? Do you have more questions about COVID-19 testing, vaccination or guidelines? Ask our Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.

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