WA Resumes Free Appointments For COVID Treatment Pills

OLYMPIA, WA — The state Department of Health is resuming a free telehealth program to help residents get easier access to Paxlovid, an oral antiviral medication that can help treat COVID-19 illnesses.

The state-level program builds on the federal "Test to Treat" initiative, helping patients get digital appointments for the prescription medication.

"Telehealth allows patients to connect with a clinician without having to go to a health care facility in person," DOH officials said Thursday. "This reduces barriers to access, especially in rural and underserved urban areas, and allows patients to stay at home for assessment and treatment, reducing the potential spread of the disease."

According to the health department, the antivirals are only effective when taken within the first five days of symptoms appearing, and getting residents faster evaluations can help achieve that.

Officials said the program's first iteration helped provide more than 4,200 prescriptions between late July and the end of 2022.

Those who are approved for a free prescription can pick up the medication at more than 1,000 pharmacies or opt to have them delivered. Residents can set up a digital appointment on a new website or by contacting the COVID-19 call center at 1-800-525-0127.

“Restarting DOH’s telehealth program ensures that patients at high risk for severe disease have equitable access to lifesaving COVID-19 treatments,” said Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, Washington's chief science officer. “This service is free for everyone so that even those without insurance can access antiviral medications. Offering free telehealth consultations in multiple languages also increases access for non-English speakers.”