Pamela Valfer, in her home art studio in Pasadena, California. She was tested three times for covid and received a statement saying she might be responsible to pay $125 per test despite a ban on out-of-pocket costs. (Heidi de Mrco/KHN) Because there are no caps on cost, consumers and insurers often get billed hundreds of dollars for the most reliable PCR test. Prices are rising and they can’t fight back. Pamela Valfer needed multiple COVID-19 tests after repeatedly visiting the hospital last fall to see her mother, who was being treated for cancer. Beds there were filling with COVID patients. Valfer heard the tests would be free.