The Biden administration plans to let the coronavirus public health emergency expire in May. This will have some real-world effects on some ordinary Americans who have received free Covid tests, free vaccines and treatments, and so forth, none of which will necessarily be free after the end of the emergency.
The government is keeping some of these policies in effect so hospitals and care providers can prepare for the changes when it ends.
The public health emergency (PHE) policies were first set in place by the Trump administration in January 2020 in Section 201 of the National Emergencies Act and have been renewed every 90 days since then.
Will Covid Tests and Vaccines Still Be Free?
The cost of Covid tests will depend on whether you have private insurance, Medicare coverage, Medicaid coverage, or no coverage.
Last December, Congress passed a bill to end pandemic-related expanded Medicaid coverage, which means some people who were on “continuous enrollment” will be dropped from Medicaid if their financial situation makes them no longer eligible.
Some people who have enjoyed up to 8 free Covid tests per month will no longer be eligible for that service as insurers will no longer be required to provide it.
And while vaccines will still be covered by Medicare and Medicaid, many Americans will have to start paying out of pocket for such tests.
Sources:
Kaiser Family Foundation – January 31, 2023
New York Times – January 31, 2023