HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – Individuals living or working in Hunterdon County can now order at-home COVID-19 tests online from the website Hunterdoncares.org, according to Freeholder Board Director Shaun C. Van Doren.
“Providing more convenient and increased access to COVID-19 testing is a priority goal for the Freeholder Board. The County’s Health Department, working in conjunction with Vault Medical Services, has now established a program that makes the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) self-saliva collection test available at home, via the website Hunterdoncares.org. The self-test will be free to individuals and does not require a physician’s prescription,” Van Doren said.
“The Health Department advises that the PCR self-saliva collection test for COVID-19 has the same effectiveness as the nasal swab test and is conducted under the supervision of a healthcare provider, through telehealth video. The program is funded by a federal CARES Act grant provided to the County by the state,” Van Doren said.
The Hunterdon County Department of Health has issued the following self-test information:
- According to state grant requirements, an individual’s insurance provider will be billed for test costs, however, there will be no co-pay or out of pocket cost for individuals. Those without insurance can still receive a self-test.
- Visit HunterdonCares.org to register to receive an at-home test kit and to verify Hunterdon County residency or employment. Following registration, a link will be provided, via email, to order a free kit on the Vault Health website. The kit will be mailed overnight to the registration address.
- Included in the kit will be information on how to conduct a saliva self-test, including a video telehealth appointment. The test is returned by mail to Vault Medical Services. The results are provided by Vault within 24 to 36 hours.
- It is important to know that you must be a resident of Hunterdon County or employed in Hunterdon County. Only persons over the age of 6 are eligible for this test. Persons under the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian complete the registration for them.
- The County Department of Health is notified of a positive test result for contact tracing purposes. Individuals positive for COVID-19 should isolate for 10 days and until they are fever free for more than 24 hours. Individuals with symptoms or confirmed with COVID should contact their health care provider.
In addition to the at-home test, Hunterdon County’s joint test site with Hunterdon Medical Group, located at 121 Route 31 South, in Raritan Township continues to offer free testing by appointment, without a physician’s prescription, on Mondays 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call 908-237-4230 to make an appointment.
