FYI regarding end of COVID declaration
May 10, 2023
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.
Vision care often falls to the bottom of the priority list, especially for individuals without noticeable changes in their eyesight. However, routine eye exams are a key part of preventive healthcare—and their benefits extend well beyond correcting vision. Regular visits to an optometrist or ophthalmologist can help detect broader health issues, protect against vision loss, and contribute to your overall well-being. What Happens During a Comprehensive Eye Exam? A routine eye exam is more than just reading an eye chart. It typically includes: Visual acuity testing (how well you see at various distances) Eye muscle and alignment tests A refraction assessment to determine prescription needs Examination of the retina and optic nerve (often using dilation) Screening for eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts Depending on your health history, your provider may also check for signs of systemic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Why Eye Exams Matter—Even with Good Vision Many eye diseases develop slowly and without symptoms. By the time vision changes occur, damage may already be significant. A comprehensive eye exam can reveal early warning signs of: Diabetic retinopathy Hypertension Glaucoma High cholesterol Neurological concerns such as increased intracranial pressure or stroke risk In some cases, an eye exam may be the first indication of an undiagnosed medical issue. How Often Should You Have an Exam? The American Optometric Association offers the following general guidance: Adults aged 18–60: Every one to two years Adults aged 61 and older: Annually Children: First eye exam at 6–12 months, then periodically as recommended Individuals with health risks (e.g., diabetes, a family history of eye disease): More frequent exams may be required Vision Insurance vs. Medical Insurance It’s important to understand that vision insurance typically covers routine eye exams and benefits for lenses, frames, or contacts. Medical insurance, on the other hand, may cover eye care only when related to a medical condition or emergency. Protecting Your Eye Health Whether you need corrective lenses or not, annual eye exams help safeguard your vision and overall health. Consider scheduling a routine exam this year—and encourage others in your family to do the same.
For young adults, aging off a parent’s health insurance plan can be a challenging transition. This life event usually happens when you turn 26, which is the age when you can no longer be covered under your parents’ plan, according to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). However, this shift doesn’t have to be a stressful one if you’re prepared and informed about your options. When Do You Age Off Your Parent’s Health Insurance? Under the ACA, young adults can remain on their parent’s health insurance plan until the age of 26. Once you reach this age, you will need to secure your own health insurance coverage. The exact date you age off your parent’s plan depends on your birthday and your parent's insurance renewal period. For many, this happens on their birthday or at the end of the month in which they turn 26. What Are Your Options After Aging Off? Once you age off your parent’s health plan, you’ll need to find new coverage. Here are some options: 1. Marketplace Insurance: You may be eligible for a plan through the healthcare marketplace. If you’re under 30, you can also consider a Catastrophic Plan, which provides low premiums but high deductibles for young, healthy individuals. 2. Employer-Sponsored Insurance: If you have a job that offers health benefits, you may be able to enroll in your employer’s plan. Open enrollment periods for employer plans may vary, so it’s important to check when you can apply. Typically, aging off a parent’s plan would create a qualifying event to enroll in the employer coverage. 3. Medicaid: If you’re on a limited income, you may qualify for Medicaid, which offers free or low-cost coverage depending on your state. 4. Parents’ Plan through COBRA: In some cases, you may be able to extend coverage under your parent’s plan via COBRA. However, this can be expensive, as you would need to pay the full premium yourself. What Should You Consider When Choosing a New Plan? • Affordability: Compare the cost of monthly premiums, deductibles, and copays. A plan that seems affordable in terms of premium costs might have high out-of-pocket expenses rendering using the plan when needed unaffordable. • Coverage: Make sure the new plan offers coverage for the services you need, such as prescriptions, preventive care, mental health services, and emergency care. All ACA plans will offer these benefits, but if you are looking at short term or some other type of plan, these basic services may be omitted. • Networks: Check if your preferred doctors and healthcare providers are included in the plan's network. Take Action Start preparing ahead of time. Don’t wait until the last minute to explore your options. If you’re aging off a parent’s plan, consider starting your search for coverage at least 60 days before you lose your existing plan. This will give you plenty of time to review different options and choose the best plan for your needs. We recommend using a qualified agent who represents multiple options to ensure you get the best product and price for your needs.