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COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test

South Carolina 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?

$36.31

Typical negotiated rate. In South Carolina, October 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $36.31 for this service. The price depends on where it is billed: about $36.31 from a physician practice, and about $37.15 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$36.31$33.11 to $45.71
FacilityA hospital or hospital-owned outpatient department$37.15$34.67 to $53.70

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $37 · 10th to 90th $29 to $74Professionalmedian $36 · 10th to 90th $20 to $54
$10$20$50$100$200facility $37professional $36

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

Rates by insurance carrier

Insurance Carrier
Aetna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$44.67
Median
$45.71
Typical High
$102.33
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$45.71
Median
$45.71
Typical High
$56.23
Ambetter
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$37.15
Median
$37.15
Typical High
$44.67
Ambetter
Setting
Professional
Modifier
QW · Waived lab test
Typical Low
$17.78
Median
$35.48
Typical High
$63.10
BCBS South Carolina
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$28.18
Median
$35.48
Typical High
$58.88
BCBS South Carolina
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$36.31
Median
$36.31
Typical High
$58.88
BCBS South Carolina
Setting
Professional
Modifier
QW · Waived lab test
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$35.48
Typical High
$38.02
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$45.71
Median
$74.13
Typical High
$218.78
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$17.38
Median
$28.18
Typical High
$44.67
Medcost
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$42.66
Typical High
$77.62
Medcost
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$35.48
Median
$41.69
Typical High
$42.66
United
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$31.62
Median
$31.62
Typical High
$42.66
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$17.78
Median
$24.55
Typical High
$48.98
2 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

Where South Carolina 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.

South Carolina· 33rd of 51

$36.31

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.