Large-scale COVID-19 testing will be offered by OptumServe Health Services in partnership with Logistics Health Inc. beginning next week, state officials announced April 28.
Testing at designated sites around the state could begin in the next week, Gov. Eric Holcomb said in a statement. Hoosiers will not be charged for testing and insurance is not required, however, state officials ask those being tested with health insurance to provide that information at the test site.
“Launching this partnership with Optum further expands Indiana’s COVID-19 testing capacity,” Holcomb said. “These free tests will be available in locations across the state, ensuring even more Hoosiers who have symptoms, or an affected family member can get tested for coronavirus.”
In the first 30 days, 100,000 Hoosiers are expected to be tested, according to the state. Testing is for any symptomatic Hoosier, close contacts of positive cases, or residents of congregate living settings.
Hoosiers can get tested without visiting a healthcare provider. State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box will issue a standing order for the test for any Hoosier who meets the criteria.
The state said within a week, 20 testing sites will open in Indiana National Guard armories and an additional 30 testing sites will open in the next 14 days. The armories include locations in La Porte, Valparaiso, Elkhart and South Bend.
Each site will be open for at least eight hours per day, Monday through Friday, the state said.
Testing will be by appointment only. Registration will open 48 hours before testing sites open.
To sign up for an appointment, Hoosiers must register through the Optum portal, which is expected to open soon and self-report symptoms using an online screening tool. State officials said a telephone also will be added soon.
Hoosiers will receive results within 48 hours on average, the state said. Results will be provided to the patient via a phone call if the test is positive or via an email or text if the test is negative.
“We have been working diligently to increase access to testing throughout Indiana with drive-thru clinics and strike teams,” Box said. “By joining forces with Optum, we will ensure that testing for COVID-19 is available to Hoosiers who need it most.”
OptumServe will collect swabs specimens, and manage the testing and reporting of data, the state said. OptumServe is providing supplies, personal protective equipment for staff, testing kits, staffing and lab services. The state will continue focused testing and high-risk populations.
An estimated 4,400 more Hoosiers will be tested daily in the initial phase, the state said. Once all 50 sites are open, as many as 6,600 more Hoosiers can be tested daily.
