Here's Why Medicaid Coverage and Free COVID Tests, Treatments Will Soon Change

USA Today
The Biden administration on Thursday formally notified states the COVID-19 public health emergency that provided generous federal payments to subsidize care and insurance coverage for millions will end May 11.

About 15 million Americans who gained Medicaid health insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic are at risk of losing coverage later this year as generous federal subsidies end. 

Among the other changes: Private insurers will no longer be required to pay for home COVID tests, and vaccines and treatments will be free until early summer. 

In a letter sent to governors on Thursday, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said COVID-19 cases plummeted 92% and deaths declined more than 80% since the omicron surge in January 2022.

"We have come to this point in our fight against the virus because of our historic investments and efforts to mitigate its worst impacts," Becerra said in the letter. 

The federal government provided billions in federal aid to states on the condition that they would not remove people from Medicaid until the public health emergency ends. The public health emergency ensured Americans didn't lose coverage during the pandemic, driving down the uninsured rate to 8%. 

States will vary on when they resume eligibility checks. Consumers who lose Medicaid coverage can sign up for Affordable Care Act coverage during a special enrollment period.

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