With the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) expiring on May 11, 2023, We wanted to update you on some changes that may affect your insurance coverage. 

• COVID-19 vaccines: Although COVID-19 vaccines will eventually move to the commercial market, the U.S. government will continue to purchase and distribute vaccines after May 11. As a result, physicians can continue to order them for free, and you can receive them free of charge through your health insurance. 

• COVID-19 tests: Most Americans covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance during the pandemic were able to receive free COVID-19 tests and vaccines. Once the emergency ends, Medicare beneficiaries generally will face out-of-pocket costs for at-home testing, although state Medicaid programs will continue covering tests ordered by a physician. Private insurance users may have to pay for lab tests.



• Medicaid enrollees: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act required Medicaid programs to keep beneficiaries continuously enrolled. That protection ended on April 1, 2023 because of the Consolidated Appropriations Act. Now, enrollees in some states who received Medicaid coverage for the past three years could lose their Medicaid, an event some have termed an “Unwinding” of Medicaid. That said, if you or a loved one is covered by Medicaid, be on the lookout for communication from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and please reach out to me if you have questions or concerns. 

• Telehealth: In the wake of the pandemic, the use of telehealth practices has grown — and it has been an essential lifeline for individuals in rural areas and those with limited mobility. Thankfully, many benefits and services provided during the pandemic have been made permanent, such as Medicare patients' access to telehealth services for behavioral or mental health care. Access to other telehealth benefits and services has also been extended through December 31, 2024.