Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 Ending, Raising Concerns Amid Persisting Challenges
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will allow the federal public health emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic to expire on Thursday. However, some believe this decision is premature and dangerous given the ongoing impact of the virus. Despite declarations from the World Health Organization and the ending of a separate national emergency by former President Trump, over 1,000 Americans continue to die from COVID-19 each week, with many others experiencing long-term effects.
Disability advocates argue that allowing the public health emergency to lapse removes important protections. Laurie Jones, executive director of #MEAction, a group advocating for individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis (a chronic fatigue condition often associated with long COVID), stated, “We’ve called off the fire department while the house is still burning because the neighbors want it to be over.”
What Changes with the Expiration?
The previous national emergency granted the federal government significant powers to manage the economy, such as implementing programs like the COVID-19 mortgage forbearance initiative. With the expiration of the emergency, these programs will also end. Medicare beneficiaries will now have to bear some costs for at-home COVID tests and treatments, and private insurance holders may also face expenses. The tracking of COVID-19 infections will be reduced, with only hospitalizations being monitored. Additionally, Title 42, a Trump-era measure allowing the swift removal of migrants, will expire, potentially leading to increased immigration at the southern border.
What Remains Unchanged?
Vaccines will still be free for those with health insurance due to established federal laws. However, those without insurance have already experienced increased costs as federal funding for free COVID-related healthcare for the uninsured expired in late 2021.
Other Separate Measures
Last year, Congress reversed a provision preventing states from removing individuals from Medicaid during the public health emergency. Consequently, millions of people, including an estimated 6.7 million children, may lose coverage. The temporary increase in food stamp benefits also expired in March. Access to telehealth services, expanded during the emergency, will be maintained until the end of 2024.
Ongoing Concerns for High-Risk Populations
People with disabilities, who are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 symptoms, worry about their ability to access tests and treatments without the public health emergency protections. Advocates suggest extending free access through separate legislation. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of maintaining mask mandates in healthcare facilities and ongoing tracking of COVID rates by the CDC to inform public decisions.
Conclusion
The expiration of the public health emergency for COVID-19 raises concerns among disability advocates and public health experts. While the consensus may suggest a diminishing crisis, the persistence of COVID-19 cases and the emergence of new variants prompt calls for continued vigilance and support to prevent further preventable harm.
