USA TODAY International Edition
Changes ahead as emergency is ending
For the past three years, most Americans have enjoyed access to free COVID- 19 tests, treatments and vaccines regardless of insurance status thanks to unprecedented funding from the federal government.
But that’s all about the change as the Biden administration plans to end both the national emergency and the public health emergency May 11.
Experts say access to COVID- 19 services will depend on coverage through Medicaid, Medicare or private firms.
The end of the public health emergency also may jeopardize coverage for millions of Americans. Those who are uninsured, approximately 8% of the U. S. population, have few options, said Jodie Guest, vice chair of the department of epidemiology at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health.
The Biden administration will be shifting health care costs associated with COVID- 19 from the government back to individual Americans, she said. “Our insurance and health care system is pretty chaotic and very expensive, and we’re going back to that.”
COVID- 19 tests
Ordering free at- home tests through covidtests. gov is likely to go away with the end of the public health emergency, experts say.
● Medicaid: Free tests until 2024.
● Medicare: No longer will receive at- home tests for free.
● Private insurers: Varies by state and insurance company.
Polymerase chain reaction tests, known as the PCR tests, are considered “the gold standard” for detecting the COVID- 19 virus, health experts say. But they may cost up to $ 100 if not covered, Guest said.
COVID- 19 vaccines
With the emergency declaration ending, there may be new economic barriers to getting vaccinated.
Pfizer- BioNTech and Moderna sold their vaccines to the government for $ 20 a dose, said Dr. Bruce Y. Lee, professor of health policy management at City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy. But now, both said they’re considering hikes between $ 110 and $ 130, Lee said.
● Medicaid: Free vaccines, no end date determined.
● Medicare: Undetermined.
Private insurers:
● Varies by state and insurance company.
While private insurance companies may be inclined to cover vaccines similar to annual influenza shots, Guest said nothing is guaranteed. Those without insurance coverage may have to pay the entire cost.
Medicaid coverage
Before the pandemic, Medicaid recipients underwent a yearly review to make sure they qualified, Guest said. The public health emergency paused that and prevented states from taking people off Medicaid. With that review process returning, millions are at risk for not qualifying and losing Medicaid coverage.
Hospital funding
When the emergency declaration ends, it may mean hospitals won’t get extra funding, health experts say.
Health experts fear the lack of funding will lead to more hospital closures, particularly in rural areas, and will leave health care providers unprepared for future coronavirus waves.
Health and patient safety coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation and Competition in Healthcare. The Masimo Foundation does not provide editorial input.