The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), declared in early 2020, triggered new flexibilities for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to address the pandemic in the Medicare program. In the subsequent weeks, CMS issued numerous Public Health Emergency (PHE)-related rules, waivers and guidance, many of which were tied to the PHE declaration. With the PHE declaration ending on May 11, 2023, many waivers, expansions and changes will also be ending. The Center for Medicare Advocacy will monitor how the end of the PHE may impact access to care in the Medicare program.
Some useful resources that outline some of the changes and timelines below:
- Timeline of End Dates for Key Health-Related Flexibilities Provided Through COVID-19 Emergency Declarations, Legislation, and Administrative Actions (KFF)
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS): Frequently Asked Questions: CMS Waivers, Flexibilities, and the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (CMS)
- End of the Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) Declaration (CDC)
- Fact Sheet: COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Transition Roadmap (HHS)
May 11, 2023 – K. Kertesz