What immediate consequence did the termination of the U.S. PHE have on patient healthcare costs for testing and treatment?

Answer

Coverage reverted to standard insurance rules, potentially involving deductibles and co-pays

One of the most immediate and tangible consequences of the HHS Public Health Emergency (PHE) termination on May 11, 2023, related to financing patient care. While the PHE status was active, many essential services, including COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, were frequently covered without requiring cost-sharing from the patient, supported by federal mechanisms. Once the PHE expired, these coverages necessarily reverted to the existing, standard insurance rules. This change means that depending on an individual’s specific insurance plan, patients might now be subject to meeting deductibles, paying standard co-pays, or incurring out-of-pocket costs for receiving COVID-19 tests or treatments that were previously covered without these financial barriers.

What immediate consequence did the termination of the U.S. PHE have on patient healthcare costs for testing and treatment?

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