End of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: What Does That Mean?

Posted on by K.F.

The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) authorized by the U.S. government ended on May 11, 2023. The end of the PHE simply means that the virus is no longer at a point where it poses an overwhelming threat to our healthcare infrastructure, but it does not mean that COVID-19 is no longer an issue in our communities. 

In practical terms, it also means changes to how the government spends pandemic-related resources, which may impact the cost and coverage for COVID prevention, testing, and treatment moving forward. 

What May Change for You 

Preventive services and treatments may no longer be free for you as the PHE ends. 

For example: 

  • Masks and hand sanitizer may no longer be available for free 
  • At-home COVID tests previously covered by insurance may no longer be free 
  • Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Part B will no longer have access to free over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests 
  • People covered by Medicaid will have access to free tests until September 30, 2024, after which  coverage may vary by state 
  • Treatment, such as medications to prevent severe COVID-19, will be available for free until the current supplies are used, but may come with a charge in the future. 

Moving Forward 

As we enter this new phase, it will be important for individuals to think about what will protect them best against future COVID-19 infection. While the emergency declaration provided clear guidelines and restrictions, it will now be up to you to determine what is best for you and those around you. To be safe, please continue to get vaccinations and boosters, wash your hands regularly, wear a mask when appropriate, and practice social distancing when necessary. 

We’re Here to Help 

Programs such as You & Me: Test and Treat (YMTT) provide access to free, rapid, at-home COVID testing for residents in Merced County, California, and Pitt County, North Carolina. To participate in the program, find a sign-up event by selecting your county of choice here. 

For those outside these areas, the CDC’s No-Cost Testing Locator can help you access free testing resources in your area. 

Sources: 

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). End of the federal COVID-19 public health
    emergency (PHE) declaration. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/end-of-
    phe.html#:~:text=May%2011%2C%202023%2C%20marks%20the,public%20health%20data%20will%20ex
    pire. 
  1. Juliette Cubanski (2023, February 10). What happens when covid-19 emergency declarations end?
    implications for coverage, costs, and access. KFF. https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-
    brief/what-happens-when-covid-19-emergency-declarations-end-implications-for-coverage-costs-and-
    access/