End of the COVID-19 Emergency Periods
Updated: May 12, 2023
The COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) ended May 11, 2023. The COVID-19 national emergency ended April 10, 2023. The end of these federally declared emergencies means the standard terms of your health plan or policy now apply to any COVID-19 related services.
Please review your schedule of benefits if you have any questions.
COVID-19 Tests
Diagnostic tests: We cover the COVID-19 PCR test under your health plan’s normal provisions, including any member cost-sharing.
Over-the-counter (OTC) tests: We do not cover or reimburse for at-home, OTC COVID-19 tests.
COVID-19 Vaccines
Vaccines that come from the current federal supply will be free. Once that supply ends, the vaccine will be covered under your health plan’s normal provisions.
COVID-19 Treatment
Regular coverage and cost sharing applies just as it did during the PHE, according to your plan benefits. Prescription drug treatments (e.g., Paxlovid™) from the federal government supply will remain free. Once that supply ends, we will cover those treatments under your health plan’s normal provisions, including any member cost-sharing.
HSA Safe Harbor
HSA-eligible HDHPs may continue to offer telehealth to members who have not yet met their deductibles, without jeopardizing their eligibility for an HSA. This safe harbor remains in effect until the end of plan years beginning in 2024 (i.e., until Dec. 31, 2024, for calendar year plans).
Keep Up to Date on the Latest Information
For the latest information on COVID-19, we recommend that you turn to trusted public health organizations such as:
- The World Health Organization
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
- National Institutes of Health
This page contains links to third party sites. Those organizations are solely responsible for the contents and privacy policies on their sites.