Upcoming Benefit Changes Due to the Ending of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

As directed by the federal government, the federal public health emergency (PHE) related to the COVID-19 pandemic will end on May 11, 2023. With the end of the PHE comes several changes to certain healthcare services and the cost sharing for these services. Please see below for more information about these changes, which will go into effect on May 12, 2023.

The waiving of cost shares for the following COVID-19-related services will end. Members will be required to pay their cost share for these services (as outlined in their Evidence of Coverage).

• Visits to a provider office, urgent care clinic, and/or emergency room for COVID-19-related care, including any lab services performed as part of the COVID-19-related care.
• Telehealth visits for COVID-19-related care.
• Diagnostic lab testing for COVID-19 in an out-of-network provider office, facility, and/or pharmacy.
• Oxygen or other durable medical equipment (DME) directly related to a COVID-19 diagnosis.

It’s important to note that some COVID-19-related services will continue to be covered after the PHE ends. These include:

• COVID-19 vaccinations will not have a cost share, and any deductibles will not apply, including the administration of the vaccination by a provider.
• In-network COVID-19 diagnostic lab testing.

If you have any questions, please call us at the toll-free phone number on the back of your member ID card. Our office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Central, Monday through Friday (April 1 through September 30).

Be sure to check our website for details and any updates about this topic. Visit www.arkbluemedicare.com.