Get help, with or without insurance
Cost and coverage should not stop you from getting checked. Here are places to start.
If you have insurance
- Call the number on your card and ask if genetic counseling is covered
- Ask your doctor for a referral if you checked any box on the checklist
- Medicaid usually needs a referral first
If you do not have insurance
- See if you qualify for Medicaid or a marketplace plan at Get Covered Illinois
- Cook County Health CareLink for Cook County residents, regardless of immigration status. Call (866) 223-2817
- Illinois hospitals must offer discounts to low-income uninsured patients
Community clinics
- Community health centers offer sliding scale care regardless of immigration status. Find a health center
- Illinois free and charitable clinics
- Some genetic testing labs offer financial assistance
Immigrant families can also call the ICIRR Family Support Hotline at 855-435-7693.
Common questions
Will my immigration status be shared?
Cook County Health does not ask about immigration status, and health privacy law limits what hospitals and clinics can share.
Can my health insurance use genetic test results against me?
No. A federal law called GINA stops health insurers and most employers from using genetic results against you. It does not cover life, disability, or long-term care insurance, so it is worth knowing before you test.
What does genetic testing cost without insurance?
It varies by lab. Several labs offer income-based assistance or lower self-pay prices. A genetic counselor can help you find the most affordable option.
Sources
- Cook County Health: CareLink
- Illinois Hospital Association: Hospital Uninsured Patient Discount Act
- HealthCare.gov: Preventive Care Benefits for Women
- National Human Genome Research Institute: Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)
- FORCE: GINA Overview
Last reviewed October 2026. This page shares general health education and is not medical advice.