End of the Public Health Emergency for US Family Health Plan Members

Yes. On January 30, 2023, the White House announced that it will end the public health emergency on May 11, 2023. This gives the government and others impacted 30-days to wind down current mandates set under the PHE. 

The end of the PHE means that most of the mandates under the current PHE for COVID-19 end on May 11, 2023.  This could result in a loss of coverage for some people that are currently eligible for USFHP, or increased costs associated with COVID-19 for others.  

COVID-19 vaccinations will continue to be free for those with CHRISTUS Health-USFHP beneficiaries who go to in-network providers or a TRICARE-authorized provider. 

*FDA-approved at home antigen rapid diagnostic test kits may be covered with a physician’s order.  

Under the PHE, beneficiaries could get up to 8 at-home COVID-19 tests per month.  Free at-home COVID-19 tests will end May 11, 2023.   Beginning May 12, 2023, at-home tests after that time will be at cost for beneficiaries, unless ordered by an in-network provider.  

Beginning on May 12, 2023, there will be an out-of-pocket cost sharing for USFHP beneficiaries when seeing an in-network CHRISTUS Health provider. 

 

USFHP beneficiaries may visit an in-network pharmacy. 

We’re currently developing our internal wind-down plan to ensure all policies, claims processes, coding, and programs are ending or continuing as mandated. We’ll keep you posted as we learn more about the elements that will continue, the wind-down process, and pricing. 

Yes. Telehealth visits will continue to be covered for primary care and specialist visits under their normal cost shares. Referral requirements for telehealth remain the same as in-person visits.