What Does the Federal Public Health Emergency End Date Mean for You?
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a turning point for global health and has impacted individuals and communities in unprecedented ways. As the number of cases surged worldwide, governments declared public health emergencies to curb the spread of the virus. The Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) was one such declaration made by the United States government.
Now, as the end date of the Federal PHE approaches, it’s natural for individuals and communities to ask what it means for them. In this blog, we’ll explore what the end of the Federal PHE means and how it might affect you.
What is the Federal Public Health Emergency?
The Federal PHE was declared on January 31, 2020, by the US Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Alex Azar. The declaration was made under the Public Health Service Act, which gives the HHS secretary the power to declare a PHE if the country faces a national health emergency. The Federal PHE is typically declared for 90 days and can be extended if needed.
During the Federal PHE, the HHS secretary has special powers such as the right to waive certain Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) requirements. The declaration also allows the HHS to mobilize resources to assist states, territories, and tribes in responding to the health emergency.
When does the Federal PHE end?
The Federal PHE was last extended in April 2021 and is currently set to expire on July 20, 2021. It’s worth noting that the expiration of the Federal PHE does not signify the end of the pandemic or the removal of all restrictions related to it.
Even after the Federal PHE ends, there will still be state and local guidelines and orders that individuals and businesses must follow to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will still have its own authority to issue recommendations and guidelines to mitigate the pandemic.
How does the end of the Federal PHE affect you?
The end of the Federal PHE may affect you in several ways. For instance, Medicare patients might see changes to telehealth services as the waivers under the Federal PHE expire. However, some waivers might still be available depending on state and local guidelines.
The end of the Federal PHE might also impact how states and territories receive federal funds for COVID-19 testing, vaccination, and treatment. The HHS might consider allocating funds based on other criteria after the Federal PHE ends.
It’s important to keep in mind that the expiration of the Federal PHE does not imply a return to pre-pandemic normalcy. The pandemic is still raging globally, and individuals must continue to take precautions to prevent its spread. Vaccination, social distancing, and wearing masks are still crucial measures to prevent infections.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the end of the Federal PHE does not mean an end to the pandemic or the removal of all restrictions related to it. State and local guidelines and orders will still be in place, and the CDC will still issue recommendations and guidelines for the public.
The end of the Federal PHE might lead to changes in federal funding for COVID-19 testing, vaccination, and treatment and might impact Medicare patients’ telehealth services.
It’s essential to keep taking measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as vaccinations, wearing a mask, and following local guidelines. By doing so, we can all work towards a safer and healthier future together.
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