3 years later and the day many of us have dreamt of is on the calendar

Since March 2020, we have all been waiting. Waiting to go back to normal, as the months went on, we were waiting to leave our homes for more than a grocery run; then we were waiting for mask mandates to be lifted, and now the last straw is that the state of emergency is set to be lifted this May. Over the past nearly four years, there have been moments we wouldn’t see this day for many years, but now that we are here, what does it mean? As we still have about a month to go, there is a lot of speculation regarding how the lift will change our new normal—the New York Times reported on the subject defining the situation as “confusing” as such. Here is how we expect the state of emergency lifting should affect you based on your insurance. 

Not insured 

During the state of emergency in some states, those without coverage have received temporary Medicaid coverage for tests, treatments, and vaccines, which could end in May.

On Medicaid

Those on Medicaid can access covid tests and treatments at no cost until 2024 due to the American Rescue Plan. 

On Medicare

Thanks to the CARES Act, medicare members can still obtain free covid vaccines; however, you may have to pay copays for therapies like antivirals and tests ordered by doctors. 

Private insurance

The most significant change for most people will be they can no longer be eligible for eight free at-home covid tests each month through their insurance. 

 

This next “Normal” phase is new territory, especially for the healthcare industry. While the state of emergency lifting is a sign of Covid being in our rearview mirrors, staying updated with vaccines and boosters for the whole family remains vital. Physicians still recommend wearing masks and getting tested when you are under the weather. 

Source