Millions of Americans might lose health coverage when the US federal government's emergency declaration expires in July, which may have potentially devastating consequences, a non-profit group warns.
If the COVID-19 public health emergency is not renewed, an estimated 5.3 million to 14.2 million people could lose Medicaid coverage, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis reported by The Guardian.
The wide range is due to doubts about how states will respond to the end of ongoing enrollment and how many individuals may lose coverage as a result, according to the experts. By the end of the fiscal year 2022, Medicaid membership is predicted to exceed 110.2 million people, with enrollment expected to drop sharply once continuous enrollment ceases.
Many Americans can now get avail free COVID-19 testing, medical treatment, and immunizations thanks to the public health emergency declaration. Depending on whether they are supported by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, patients may face out-of-pocket expenditures if it ceases. Immunizations would, however, remain free for people covered by Medicare and private insurance, while state Medicaid programs would decide whether or not to continue funding vaccinations for their enrollees.
In addition, Medicare has eased the restrictions governing telehealth services, allowing far more beneficiaries to use them during the declaration.
Telehealth services are no longer confined to individuals who live in rural areas, and subscribers can conduct visits at residence rather than traveling to a health care center. They can also obtain a broader range of services. After the emergency ends, most recipients will lose their options.
Biden Administration Extends COVID-19 Health Emergency Declaration
Since coronavirus cases again rise across the US, the Biden administration extends the Covid-19 public health emergency declaration beyond July 15, according to two administration officials, as per a report from CNN. The declaration most likely is extended for another 90 days.
The administration sustains the public health emergency while lobbying Congress for additional funds for treatments and vaccines. In early April, the Senate negotiated a tentative bipartisan agreement to award an additional $10 billion in COVID-19 funding, amounting to less than half of the White House request.
The measure would enable the Biden administration to buy more vaccines and medicines while maintaining testing and research resources. However, it does not include $5 billion in financing for global COVID-19 assistance, nor does it renew the program that pays for the tests, treatment, and vaccination of uninsured people.
Medical Groups Plead To Sustain Emergency Declaration Until Pandemic Recedes
The announcement comes after the American Medical Association and 15 other major healthcare organizations urged federal officials to keep the public health emergency in place as COVID-19 cases climbed. Per WebMD, the groups appealed that the emergency declaration is sustained so patients can get vaccines, tests, treatments, flexible care, and inexpensive healthcare.
The groups asked the Biden administration to "maintain the public health emergency until it is clear that the global pandemic has receded" and the capacities authorized by the declaration are no longer needed.
"This will help prevent any future surges from threatening the health and safety of patients and the ability of health care professionals to care for them," they added.
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