How the End of COVID Public Health Emergency May Affect You

What is changing when the COVID public health emergency ends?

- The public health emergency declared in response to COVID-19 will end on May 11, 2023. This means several changes to how the government responds to the pandemic.

Changes to COVID-19 Testing

- The government will no longer purchase and distribute free COVID-19 tests.

- Some public testing sites may close or reduce their hours.

- You may have to pay for COVID-19 tests out of pocket or through your health insurance.

Changes to COVID-19 Treatment

- Some treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies and Paxlovid, will no longer be provided free of charge.

- You may have to pay for these treatments out of pocket or through your health insurance.

Changes to Health Insurance

- The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) required group health plans to cover COVID-19 testing and vaccines without out-of-pocket costs. This requirement will expire when the public health emergency ends.

- You may have to start paying out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 testing and vaccines if your health plan doesn't voluntarily continue to cover them.

- COBRA subsidies for those who lost employer-sponsored health insurance during the pandemic will also expire.

- People with Medicare or Medicaid will continue to have access to free or low-cost COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and treatment.

Changes to Travel

- The federal mask mandate for public transportation will expire when the public health emergency ends.

- You may no longer be required to wear a mask on planes, trains, and buses.

- International travelers will no longer be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test to enter the United States.

What should I do to prepare for the end of the COVID public health emergency?

- Stock up on COVID-19 tests and treatments if you think you may need them.

- Talk to your health insurance provider to find out what costs you're responsible for for COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and treatment.

- Make sure you're up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.

- Continue to take precautions, such as wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces, to reduce your risk of COVID-19.