LANSING — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is launching new partnerships with Walgreens and the Michigan Primary Care Association to offer 77 new, free COVID-19 test sites statewide, bringing the total number of state-supported, free test sites to nearly 100.

Michiganders can find the free test sites — including Iron Mountain — on the state’s locator at https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/.

Sites operate in all regions of the state to ensure increased access to free testing.

“Cost should never be a barrier to Michiganders who need health care, including COVID-19 testing,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “Containing the pandemic requires robust, easily accessible, free testing — and this is a big step in the right direction.”

“We are pleased to partner with Walgreens and the Michigan Primary Care Association to increase access to testing in Michigan,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “As we are seeing rising cases and hospitalizations across the state, it is so critical that everyone who needs a test, gets a test. This includes anyone who is sick or has been close to anyone who has been sick.”

The new partnership with Walgreens has expanded its COVID-19 testing operations to 36 locations throughout the state. Testing at Walgreens’ sites is available by appointment only and is provided through existing pharmacy drive-thru lanes. When patients arrive, pharmacy staff walk them through a self-administration of a COVID-19 test.

To make an appointment, go to Walgreens.com/COVID19Testing.

Michigan also is expanding its partnership with the Michigan Primary Care Association, the association of federally qualified health centers in the state. FQHCs already offer low-cost COVID-19 testing and these newest efforts will ensure patients do not face costs for testing at 47 locations, including the Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center in Iron River. FQHCs typically serve low-income or socially vulnerable areas, providing a vital source of quality medical care.

“Michigan’s community health centers are thrilled to partner with MDHHS to provide greater access to COVID-19 testing at no cost,” said Dennis Litos, interim chief executive officer of the Michigan Primary Care Association. “Reducing barriers for Michiganders to receive critical health care like COVID-19 testing is at the heart of health centers’ mission.”

Federal law requires that private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid cover medically necessary COVID-19 tests without any out-of-pocket costs for patients. However, some tests may not be considered medically necessary by insurers, such as screening of asymptomatic individuals. Free test sites may still collect patient insurance information and attempt to bill insurance first. Costs not covered by insurance will be covered by state funding. Patients will not be responsible for these costs.