*The White House announced last month that the COVID-19 public health emergency will end on May 11, 2023*
Will my private insurance still cover COVID-19 tests? What about vaccines?
Not necessarily. Private insurance doesn’t have to cover either of these anymore, but depending on your plan, some still might. COVID-19 vaccines are on the list of recommended vaccines by ACIP, like the flu shot, and thus some plans may cover them as preventative care.
Will Medicare coverage change?
In some ways. Free over-the-counter tests will no longer be covered by Medicare Part B, but tests ordered by your provider will still be covered. Medicare Part B will still cover COVID-19 vaccines without cost sharing.
What happens to Medicaid coverage?
Some Medicaid coverage will not change. For example, Medicaid must continue to cover COVID-19 testing, treatment, and COVID-19 vaccines fully until 9/30/2024. For most beneficiaries, COVID-19 vaccines will still be covered after this date. After this date, Medicaid’s coverage of COVID-19 tests will change on a state-by-state basis.
Will I still be able to get free COVID-19 tests through the federal government?
That depends. The federal government may continue distributing free COVID-19 tests to the uninsured, while supplies last, by using the Strategic National Stockpile.
What happens to the Emergency Use Provisions for covid tests, vaccines, and treatments?
Nothing, really. The FDA still has the right to grant emergency use authorization to treatments, vaccines, and testing equipment on a case-by-case basis.
Will telehealth visits still be allowed?
Yes. Medicaid beneficiaries will still have the flexibility for telehealth coverage, and access to certain drugs (specifically buprenorphine for opioid-use disorder) can still be obtained through telehealth rather than an in-person visit. Medicare telehealth services will still be provided until at least the end of December of 2024. While the ability for providers to prescribe most controlled medications over telehealth will expire, the DEA and HHS are in talks to potentially extend this provision.
What other services can I expect to see changed?
Certain Medicare and Medicaid waivers and extensions that were allowed under the PHE will end, meaning expanded coverage that was allowed only under the PHE will no longer be available. In addition, labs will no longer be required to submit COVID-19 test results to the CDC (although Massachusetts will continue to do so). The FDA will no longer be able to require companies that produce devices and equipment related to treatment of COVID-19 to inform them if there are supply shortages or interruptions, although the FDA is seeking congressional approval to maintain some of these abilities.
