COVID testing may be free for you but worth millions for test labs



















A new study highlights mounting costs of COVID-19 testing paid by taxpayers through federal health programs or consumers who buy private insurance.

For more than two years, Americans have been able to get COVID-19 tests, often with no costs to themselves.

At least, no out-of-pocket costs. A new study from the University of Hawaii and Johns Hopkins University hints at just how great those costs might really be for taxpayers and those paying for private insurance. And it shows how the private labs conducting the tests are likely raking in millions of dollars more annually.