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Facts and Information on COVID-19 Variants

The virus that causes COVID-19 is constantly mutating and changing, which leads to new variants of the virus, including those that are classified as variants of concern. Variants of concern may spread more easily and quickly than other variants, which could lead to more COVID-19 cases. There are currently several variants of concern around the world, including here in the United States. To learn more about COVID-19 variants, please visit the CDC website.

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Alpha Variant
First detected in the United States in December 2020
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Beta Variant
First detected in the United States at the end of January 2021
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Gamma Variant
First detected in the United States in January 2021
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Epsilon Variants
Two variants were first identified in California in February 2021
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Delta Variant
First detected in the United States in March 2021
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Omicron Variant
Detected in most states and territories in December 2021

COVID-19 Services For Those Without Insurance

If you do not have health insurance and are in need of COVID-19 testing, treatment or vaccination, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has you covered.

Who can get services?

  • Anyone without health insurance, no matter their immigration status
  • A social security number and/or government ID may be requested, but is NOT required
  • If they request this information, it is only to confirm you do not have insurance
  • Accessing services will NOT affect your immigration status and will NOT be shared with immigration agencies

What is free?

  • Testing, treatment, and vaccines for COVID-19
  • If you receive a bill related to COVID-19 testing, treatment, or vaccination, ask your provider to bill the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program instead of you directly
  • If you’ve already paid for COVID-19 testing, treatment, or vaccination and receive a bill, you may be owed a refund; speak to the person or facility who sent the bill for a payment cancellation or refund
  • If they still do not cancel the bill or issue a refund, contact the HHS Office of Inspector General Hotline at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477) or visit https://TIPS.HHS.gov to file a complaint

How is it free?

A federal Uninsured Program covers COVID-19 services to anyone without insurance.

For more information:

For PatientsFor Health Care Providers