The COVID emergency declaration is ending: What it means for Tests, Vaccines, & Treatment
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 now depend on insurance coverage through Medicaid, Medicare or private companies.
The end of the public health emergency may also jeopardize coverage for millions of Americans. Those who are uninsured, which is approximately 8% of the U.S. population, have few options for COVID-19 care, said Jodie Guest, professor and vice chair of the department of epidemiology at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health.