End of the PHE

Under U.S. law, the president can declare a state of emergency during a crisis. While the state of emergency is in effect, the executive branch has “emergency powers” to address the crisis. When the state of emergency ends, those powers are lifted, and policies that the president has enacted using emergency powers expire. This is separate from an emergency declaration issued by a governor at the state level. 

Updated April 19, 2023 

No. COVID-19 cases are down sharply, but the end of the emergency declarations does not mean the virus is no longer a threat. The virus remains a leading cause of death in the United States, with about 250 daily deaths on average. Visit CDC’s website and your state and local health departments for information about local infection rates and recommended precautions.

CDC continues to advise that everyone stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, use at-home tests if they’ve been exposed or have symptoms, stay home if they’re sick, and wear a high-quality mask when COVID-19 levels are high. These precautions are the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Updated May 4, 2023 

The availability, access, and costs of COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, will not be impacted by the end of the public health emergency since vaccine access, cost, and distribution are determined by the supply of federally purchased vaccines, not the public health emergency. As long as the federal government’s supply of vaccines lasts, COVID-19 vaccines will remain free to all people, regardless of insurance coverage.

Once the federal supply of vaccines is depleted, vaccines will continue to be available and free for most people with private and public insurance.

Updated May 11, 2023 

The end of the public health emergency declaration will impact coverage for COVID-19 testing, including at-home, PCR, and rapid tests.

At-home testing coverage:

• Medicare: People with traditional Medicare coverage will no longer receive free at-home tests. 
• Medicaid: People with Medicaid coverage will have at-home tests covered at no cost through September 2024. After that date, COVID-19 at-home testing coverage will vary by state.
• Private insurance: People with private insurance and private Medicare plans (such as Medicare Advantage) will no longer be guaranteed free at-home tests. However, some insurers may continue to choose to cover them at their discretion.
• No insurance: People who are uninsured will continue to pay full price for at-home tests. Those who are uninsured or who cannot afford at-home tests may still be able to find them at a free clinic, community health center, public health department, library, or other local organization. 

Looking for more communications resources about COVID-19 at-home tests? Find messaging and sample graphics in PHCC’s toolkit: When to Take an At-Home COVID-19 Test.

PCR and rapid antigen testing coverage:

• Medicare: People with traditional Medicare coverage will continue to receive free PCR and rapid antigen tests administered by a provider, but there may be a copay for the associated doctor’s visit. 
• Medicaid: People with Medicaid will continue to receive free PCR and rapid antigen tests through September 2024. After that date, COVID-19 PCR and rapid antigen test coverage will vary by state.
• Private insurance: Coverage for PCR and rapid antigen tests will vary by insurer. People with private insurance and private Medicare plans may be subject to copays, depending on the plan. Some insurers may also begin to limit the number of covered tests or require tests to be done by in-network providers. 
• No insurance: People who are uninsured can continue to purchase tests. Those who are uninsured or who cannot afford PCR and rapid antigen tests may still be able to access them at a free clinic or community health center. 

Updated May 11, 2023 

With the end of the public health emergency declaration, COVID-19 pharmaceutical treatments purchased by the federal government–such as Paxlovid–will continue to be free to the public, regardless of insurance coverage.

COVID-19 treatments not purchased by the federal government may require a copay:

• Medicare: For people with Medicare, some COVID-19 pharmaceutical treatments may require a copay. 
• Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage: People covered by Medicaid and CHIP programs will continue to receive all pharmaceutical treatments at no cost through September 2024. After that date, these treatments will continue to be covered, but states may set limits on usage and may impose a copay on some COVID-19 treatments.
• Private insurance: Coverage for COVID-19 treatment will continue to vary by private insurer. Most people with private insurance coverage will continue to incur cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatments, with the exception of treatments that are currently free to everyone, such as Paxlovid.
• No insurance: People who are uninsured will continue to pay out of pocket for COVID-19 treatments, except for federally-funded treatments like Paxlovid, which are free for everyone. People may continue to find low- and no-cost options at community health centers.

Updated May 11, 2023 

Under U.S. law, the president can declare a national emergency during a crisis. This allows the president to access previously restricted measures, specialized laws, and funding. Although there are nuanced policy differences between the two emergency declarations, the end of the national emergency declaration will limit executive powers granted under the order. The end of the public health emergency will more directly affect the measures, laws, and funding that were made available to combat COVID-19.