Updates on the End of the Public Health Emergency for COVID-19
As you may have heard, the current Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 will be ending on May 11, 2023. This is a significant milestone in our fight against COVID-19. However, there are some important updates that we would like to share with you regarding the end of the PHE.
Here are a few things to be aware of as the PHE winds down:
COVID-19 Vaccine Access – The end of the Public Health Emergency WILL NOT impact access to free vaccines. The federal government will continue purchasing and distributing COVID-19 vaccines after May 11. Patients will not have to pay any out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 vaccines, as they will continue to be covered by both private and public health plans.
Possible Changes in Eligibility for Those Receiving Medicaid – The Families First Coronavirus Response Act required Medicaid programs to keep beneficiaries continuously enrolled. That protection ended on April 1, allowing states to start disenrolling those who no longer meet eligibility requirements. Some safeguards have been put into place to protect beneficiaries and assist those who may lose Medicaid benefits in obtaining alternative coverage. If you are a Massachusetts resident receiving Medicaid, we encourage you to visit MassHealth to find out more about MassHealth Eligibility Redeterminations and to update your contact information. Also, please check out the links for MassHealth members at the bottom of this email.
Telehealth – The pandemic brought about telehealth flexibilities that helped keep communities safe at a time when face-to-face visits were not feasible or desirable for many. This change also had other benefits, such as making it easier for those with difficulty accessing transportation to still receive medical care. Legislation has been passed to keep Medicare telehealth flexibilities in place through 2024. Medicaid telehealth flexibilities will also not be affected. Even before the COVID-19 PHE, states were able to cover and pay for Medicaid services provided through telehealth. This will remain unchanged after the emergency ends.
We hope this gives you some insight into what you can expect following May 11th. In the meantime, we encourage you to check that your contact information for your health insurance provider is up-to-date. This includes private insurance, and programs such as Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare. This will help ensure you receive current information and notices.
As mentioned above, because MassHealth, which provides Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), will need to renew coverage for all members to make sure they are still eligible and are receiving the benefits they qualify for, it’s important for members of MassHealth to update their information so that they are receiving notices. Below is a link for MassHealth where members can make any necessary changes to their contact information. We’ve also included a link to a video from MassHealth discussing the importance of updating your information.
MassHealth Eligibility Redeterminations
YouTube – MassHealth – Act Now Stay Covered
You can count on VEAP to continue to provide important information and updates during this time of transition so stay tuned and stay healthy!
For more resources on the Public Health Emergency Transition visit:
The End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: Details on Health Coverage and Access
Fact Sheet: COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Transition Roadmap
Wondering where to get vaccinated?
Visit our website for up-to-date information on local vaccine clinics: Upcoming Everett and Malden Vaccine Clinics
Visit Vaxfinder.mass.gov or Vaccines.gov to find a location near you!
Text your zip code to 438829
Call 1-800-232-0233
