The U.S. Covid public health emergency, first declared in January of 2020, will remain in place until at least January 11, 2023 after the federal government did not notify states or health-care providers on Friday of any intent to lift the declaration.
The health emergency status allows millions of Americans to continue receiving free tests, vaccines and treatments, as well as most NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid members to keep their health coverage.
Biden administration officials explained that the possibility of a winter surge in Covid cases was one of the reasons they decided to keep the health emergency in place for now.
Health and Human Services Secretary Secretary Xavier Becerra has previously promised to give hospitals and other health care providers at least 60 days notice before lifting the emergency declaration so they can prepare for a return to normal operations.
In October, HHS extended the public health emergency until January 11.
When the health emergency expires, the government will begin to transfer covid related healthcare costs, such as vaccines and treatments, to private insurance and government health plans.
HHS has estimated that as many as 15 million people could lose Medicaid or coverage from the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) once the programs return to normal operations.
For Lakewood families still enrolled in an NJ FamilyCare program, when the health emergency is rescinded, all enrollees will be reviewed to see if they still qualify for coverage.
As part of the review, people will receive mail from the State of New Jersey or their County Board of Social Services.
Members will have to provide or confirm additional information so NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid can decide whether they still qualify for healthcare coverage.
Members who do not respond to NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid mail may lose their coverage.
I just got a renewal letter this week!!