U.S. Renews COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
Source: Reuters/MSN
2 hrs ago. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Wednesday renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency, allowing millions of Americans to keep getting free tests, vaccines and treatments for at least three more months.
The public health emergency was initially declared in January 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic began. It has been renewed each quarter since and was due to expire on April 16. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in a statement said it was extending the public health emergency and that it will give states 60 days notice prior to termination or expiration.
This could be the last time HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra extends it, policy experts have said. "We've all had access to coverage and we've been able to tap into the availability of COVID-19 testing, treatments, and vaccines, largely at no cost during the public health emergency, but not all of these items will continue to be free when the public health emergency ends," said Dr. Juliette Cubanski, deputy director of the Kaiser Family Foundation's Medicare policy program.
The government has been paying for tests, vaccines, and certain treatments for those covered by its Medicare and Medicaid health insurance programs, and required private insurers to cover the full cost of tests and vaccines through public health emergency funding...
Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/u-s-renews-covid-19-public-health-emergency/ar-AAWbaqa
Marthe48
(17,011 posts)I assume our taxpayer dollars pay for a program like this. So even anti-maskers and antivaxxers are paying for Covid-19 testing, vaccines, some treatments, even if they think Covid-19 is a hoax, and refuse to get the vaccine.
It makes me grin when I think of the jerks I know who are willfully endangering their loved ones, or owning the libs, but are helping to pay for the services the libs are taking full advantage of.
Lucky Luciano
(11,258 posts)ShazzieB
(16,484 posts)Last edited Wed Apr 13, 2022, 11:07 PM - Edit history (1)
Martin68
(22,853 posts)Marthe48
(17,011 posts)I wear a mask if I'm around anyone, and I'm still staying home more than going out, doing everything I did the last 2 years. And will do the rest of my life, I'm pretty sure :/
Went to Moms nursing home today and have to wear a mask which is fine by me. Same with any doctors office around here.
RussBLib
(9,031 posts)... which expires 23 May?