INVESTIGATES: Shocking bills after COVID-19 tests Published: Tags: HOUSTON – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, health authorities are encouraging everyone to get tested repeatedly to make sure we are not unknowingly spreading the virus. Now, hundreds of millions of tests later, Channel 2 Investigates discovered doctors gouging patients and insurance companies for tests that are supposed to be free. Nasal swabs, mouth swabs, rapid tests, and PCRs: There’s more than one way to get tested for COVID-19. “I paid $100 for me, I paid $100 for my daughter,” said Katie Hillborn. Hillborn also provided her insurance card at the Clear Creek Emergency Room in League City, in hopes she would be reimbursed when her insurance company paid the claim for the COVID-19 tests for her and her daughter.