When the end of the COVID-19 pandemic comes, it could create major disruptions for a cumbersome U.S. health care system made more generous, flexible and up-to-date technologically through a raft of temporary emergency measures.
But the nonpartisan Urban Institute think tank estimates that about 15 million people could lose Medicaid when the public health emergency ends, at a rate of at least 1 million per month.
People dropped from Medicaid may not realize they can pick up taxpayer-subsidized ACA coverage. Medicaid is usually free, so people offered workplace insurance could find the premiums too high.The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, is advising states to take it slow and connect Medicaid recipients who are disenrolled with other potential coverage. The agency will keep an eye on states' accuracy in making eligibility decisions.
State Medicaid officials don't want to be the scapegoats. “Medicaid has done its job,” said Matt Salo, head of the National Association of Medicaid Directors. “We have looked out for physical, mental and behavioral health needs. As we come out of this emergency, we are supposed to right-size the program.”Millions of Americans discovered telehealth in 2020 when coronavirus shutdowns led to the suspension of routine medical consultations.
The CDC and FDA have recommended a second booster dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for people age 50 and older. But why did the recommendation come out so quickly? And will we have to get a yearly booster shot in the future? Dr. Uché Blackstock shares her thoughts.Widespread access to COVID-19 vaccines, tests and treatments rests on legal authority connected to the public health emergency.