The global COVID-19 emergency has ended. State, federal health services will be affected
The COVID health emergency ends at the end of the day Thursday, bringing a close to more than three years of related public health and safety measures. The end of this chapter in history also lines up with the World Health Organization recently declaring the end of the COVID-related global health emergency.
As the COVID pandemic winds down, services for coronavirus-related health coverage are also about to change. Here is what to know about changes to health services in Washington.
WA state COVID-related services
Washington is altering its coverage of COVID-19 vaccines, tests, treatment and telemedicine, according to a news release from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Here’s more:
Vaccines
The COVID-19 vaccine will still be free to whoever wants it as long as supplies last. But people must see a provider under their health plan’s network.
Tests
Most insurers are not providing free at-home tests any longer. Washingtonians who have Apple Health can still request free at-home tests through September 2024.
Health plans will also cover rapid and PCR tests, but a co-pay may be necessary. Patients may also have to meet their deductible for it to be completely covered. Tests will also be free to those with traditional Medicare, but they may have to pay for the office visit. Apple Health will also cover these in-person tests through September 2024.
Treatment
Prescription medication bought by the federal government, such as Paxlovid, is still free. But after the federal supply of these drugs runs out, patients may have to provide co-payments for drugs used to treat COVID-19.
Telemedicine
Insurers are still required to cover COVID-related telemedicine expenses.
Federal response changes
On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced federal changes to COVID-related coverage ahead of the expiring health emergency. Here are the highlights from that report:
Vaccines
U.S. citizens can still get vaccines at no cost as part of requirements of the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program Agreement. Uninsured Americans will also have access to free vaccines via the HHS Bridge Access Program For COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments program. Those with Medicare Part B will also continue to have access to free vaccines without cost-sharing.
Tests
Households can still request four free at-home tests from the federal government.
The program that let Medicare coverage and payments for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests is ending. Those with Medicare Advantage still have coverage for these tests, though.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will also continue to help people with no insurance or in areas of high social vulnerability receive free tests. This is contingent on resource availability, though.
Treatment
Certain COVID-related treatments and responses, such as the federal response to Long COVID, will not change.
Under the health emergency, treatment centers were operating under emergency authority waivers, regulations and other guidelines to expand care and provide health care workers with broader flexibility. These regulations are now no longer necessary.
Telehealth
Flexibility to those with Medicare telehealth, particularly those who live in rural communities, will still have the same access to telehealth services through December 2024.
COVID data and reporting
Federal human and health services will no longer be able to require labs to provide test reporting for COVID-19. This will affect the accuracy of negative and positive test results for some jurisdictions.
Hospitals will still be required to provide data through April 2024. Reports are switching from daily to weekly intervals.
The CDC is continuing to report data on COVID-19 trends.
