On April 13, 2022, the HHS renewed the COVID-19 pandemic Public Health Emergency (PHE) for an additional 90 days, effective April 16, 2022. With this extension, the PHE is now set to expire on July 15, 2022. The PHE is being extended for the ninth time since it was initially declared in January 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic began. The Biden Administration has said that it will give states a 60-day notice before the PHE expires. The PHE impacts several important benefits for employer sponsored plans, including coverage of COVID-19 testing and treatment.
Private insurers have been required to cover the full cost of COVID-19 tests and vaccines for the duration of the PHE. Beginning January 15, 2022, this requirement expanded to include up to eight over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 tests authorized or approved by the FDA per covered member per month. Once the PHE is ended, private insurers can charge co-pays or other costs so that COVID-19 tests and vaccines will no longer be free for insureds. The federal government has been paying for tests, vaccines and certain treatments for those covered by its Medicare and Medicaid health insurance programs.
Employers should be aware of the latest PHE extension and monitor the developments as the current July PHE ending date approaches to assess the impacts on their plans, including COVID-19 tests and vaccine coverage.
HHS: Renewal of Determination That a Public Health Emergency Exists »
PPI Benefit Solutions does not provide legal or tax advice. Compliance, regulatory and related content is for general informational purposes and is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. You should consult an attorney or tax professional regarding the application or potential implications of laws, regulations or policies to your specific circumstances.
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