What is the cheapest way to get tested? i still have residual covid symptoms after having been really sick, but theyre telling me i cant get a test at kaiser unless its urgent. also, the nasal swab seems really uncomfortable, are there other optns

State testing : I would check for a State testing facility which is free. There is a throat swab option at some testing sites

Need Order From Doc: You will need an order from a health care provider to get a test. If you already had + test, then no need to retest. Some infected patients have had symptoms for weeks (have seen up to 8 weeks in some patients). If you have not been tested, you should. If you do not have family medical provider, can try urgent care. Could also do consult on Healthtap and provider could order test for you.

Pixel Labcorp: This company at https://www.pixel.labcorp.com has home test kits they will send you. It is a nasal swab, but does not have to go as far back as the other type and therefore more comfortable. My understanding is that costs $100. You want an antigen test, not an antibody (blood) test, which would only tell you that you have had the disease. An antigen test would should whether you are contagious

Urgent care: In my state of MA and several others, they have cvs minute clinic personnel running covid tests. You fill out a brief on line questionnaire. If you have symptoms, you should qualify for a test. They coach you into doing your own deep nasal swab. It will be somewhat uncomfortable but not bad pain. The blood tests for antibodies are not too helpful, don’t prove immunity.