Transition plan highlights

People with Medicare coverage will continue to have access to COVID-19 vaccines without cost sharing after the end of the PHE, according to CMS. They also will be able to continue receiving COVID-19 PCR and antigen tests with no cost sharing when the test is ordered by a physician, physician assistant or registered nurse. Additionally, there will be no change in Medicare coverage of treatments for people exposed to COVID-19 once the PHE ends.
As outlined by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, states must provide Medicaid and CHIP coverage without cost sharing for COVID-19 vaccinations, testing, and treatments through the last day of the first calendar quarter that begins one year after the last day of the COVID-19 PHE. If the COVID-19 PHE ends, as expected, on May 11, this coverage requirement will end on September 30, 2024. Additionally, 18 states and U.S. territories have opted to provide Medicaid coverage to uninsured individuals for COVID-19 vaccinations, testing, and treatment, according to CMS.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 extended many telehealth flexibilities through December 31, 2024. For example, people with Medicare can access telehealth services anywhere in the United States rather than only in rural areas, and certain telehealth visits can be audio-only if someone is unable to use both audio and video.
For Medicaid and CHIP, telehealth flexibilities are not tied to the end of the PHE and have been offered by many state Medicaid programs long before the pandemic. Coverage will ultimately vary by state, according to CMS.
Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, the Acute Hospital Care at Home initiative has been extended through December 31, 2024, according to CMS. Hospitals can continue to apply to participate in the initiative. If an individual is receiving care in a participating hospital and meets the requirements to receive inpatient care at home, they can continue to do so.

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Easing the transition when the COVID-19 public health emergency expires

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