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COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test

Kentucky rates for HCPCS 87426

This test checks a sample, usually from a nasal or throat swab, for viral proteins from the virus that causes COVID-19. It is a fast method for detecting an active infection, though it is generally considered somewhat less sensitive than molecular PCR-based testing.

Rates data updated October 2026.

How much does COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test cost?

$24.55

Typical negotiated rate. In Kentucky, October 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $24.55 for this service. The price depends on where it is billed: about $21.38 from a physician practice, and about $45.71 from a hospital or other facility.

These are rates insurers have negotiated with providers, not the amount a patient is billed. What you owe depends on your plan's deductible and coinsurance. Based on rates published by 6 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

Prices by location type

Billed byTypicalRange
Physician practiceA doctor's office, clinic or independent provider$21.38$14.13 to $39.81
FacilityA hospital or hospital-owned outpatient department$45.71$45.71 to $51.29

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $46 · 10th to 90th $35 to $63Professionalmedian $21 · 10th to 90th $14 to $50
$10$20$50$100facility $46professional $21

Distribution of negotiated rates across all payers (price axis is log-scale). Small sample; interpret with caution. Need provider-level prices or 24+ months of history? Contact us.

Rates by insurance carrier

Insurance Carrier
Aetna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$45.71
Median
$45.71
Typical High
$47.86
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$45.71
Typical High
$66.07
Ambetter
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$44.67
Median
$44.67
Typical High
$52.48
Anthem BCBS
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$14.13
Median
$14.13
Typical High
$14.13
Anthem BCBS
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$14.13
Median
$14.13
Typical High
$25.12
CareSource
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$42.66
Typical High
$63.10
CareSource
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$42.66
Typical High
$58.88
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$30.20
Median
$51.29
Typical High
$74.13
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$17.78
Median
$56.23
Typical High
$169.82
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$15.85
Median
$24.55
Typical High
$46.77
3 more rates with less common billing modifiers

A modifier changes what was billed, for example a reduced or repeated service. Each of these modifiers carries under 10% of the published rates for this code. Modifier combinations, and modifiers with fewer than 30 rates for a carrier, are not listed.

Insurance Carrier
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
52 · Reduced service
Typical Low
$22.39
Median
$22.39
Typical High
$22.39
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
53 · Discontinued
Typical Low
$9.12
Median
$9.12
Typical High
$9.12
Ambetter
Setting
Professional
Modifier
QW · Waived lab test
Typical Low
$13.49
Median
$30.20
Typical High
$52.48

Where Kentucky sits

The same service costs 4.5 times more in Alaska than in Alabama. Every bar is a state, most expensive first. Touch or drag across it to read any state, then open that state for its carriers and full range.

Kentucky· 48th of 51

$24.55

AK $79.43AL $17.78

Median negotiated rate in each state, from every insurer that publishes one. States where no insurer publishes a rate for this service are not shown.