PHOENIX – As healthcare costs continue to climb across Arizona, leaving many residents paying thousands out of pocket before coverage begins, Sonora Quest Laboratories is launching Care Within Reach, a comprehensive program designed to help patients access essential lab testing when they need it most.
With insurance premiums projected to rise sharply in 2026, more Arizonans are facing a difficult reality —having insurance no longer guarantees affordable care. For some, that means delaying or skipping critical diagnostic testing altogether.
“There is a widening gap between having insurance and being able to afford care,” said Tom Leggett, Sonora Quest’s senior director of business development. “Care Within Reach was developed to help address this gap and provide practical, immediate options that help remove cost as a barrier to essential testing.”
Care Within Reach is an ecosystem of support comprised of three programs that are designed to give patients more control, clarity and confidence in managing their healthcare costs:
Pay At Time of Service
Patients can choose to pay upfront for lab services, often at a lower, transparent rate, eliminating the uncertainty of insurance copays, coinsurance and unexpected bills. This approach allows patients to make informed financial decisions and avoid surprise costs after testing is completed. Earlier this year, Sonora Quest reduced pricing on hundreds of the most commonly ordered lab tests when paid for at the time of service.
Financial Assistance
Sonora Quest offers patient financial assistance that provides income-based discounts and flexible payment plans that can significantly reduce or, in some cases, eliminate out-of-pocket costs for lab testing. This option helps ensure patients who are experiencing financial hardship are not prevented from receiving necessary diagnostic testing.
CommunityCares
Through CommunityCares, Sonora Quest helps connect individuals to trusted local organizations that provide support with everyday challenges. Patients are connected to a network of community-based organizations that provide resources and support based on their individual needs. CommunityCares does not cover the cost of lab tests, but it may help address barriers that affect a person’s ability to access care.
“When patients delay testing because of cost, it can have serious consequences for their health,” Leggett added. “Care Within Reach is about making sure every Arizonan has a clear, affordable path to the testing they need, when they need it.”
Sonora Quest remains committed to ensuring access to diagnostic testing for all patients, regardless of their financial situation. To learn more about these programs or find the option that’s right for you, visit www.SonoraQuest.com or speak with a team member at your local Patient Service Center.
