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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently extended the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) through April 11, 2023. The PHE has renewed every 90 days since January 31, 2020. The announcement comes as the U.S. experiences a double-digit increase in hospitalization from recent COVID-19 variants.
This extension allows group health plans and insurers to continue to rely on federally instituted pandemic-era flexibilities, such as covering COVID-19 vaccines, tests and treatments; expanding telehealth services; and extending health coverage for Medicaid beneficiaries. These flexibilities were set to end 151 days after the PHE expires.
What’s Next?
Employers can continue to comply with the PHE extension requirements. Employers may want to start planning on how to phase out these flexibilities once the PHE expires. The HHS will provide 60 days’ notice before terminating the PHE. Employers should continue to monitor our blog for information related to further PHE extensions.
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This blog is intended to be a compilation of information and resources pulled from federal, state, and local agencies. This is not intended to be legal advice. For up to the minute information and guidance on COVID-19, please follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your local health organizations.
National Insurance Services is not a law firm and no opinion, suggestion, or recommendation of the firm or its employees shall constitute legal advice. Readers are advised to consult with their own attorney for a determination of their legal rights, responsibilities and liabilities, including the interpretation of any statute or regulation, or its application to the readers’ business activities.
