With the nation's COVID-19 public health emergency directive set to end in May, the pharmacy industry will see at least five changes, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
Note: These are based on policies enacted after the COVID-19 public health emergency was declared in January 2020 and are subject to change.
1. On Jan. 1, CMS will stop handing out $40 reimbursements for every COVID-19 vaccine administered by pharmacists. The payment will align with the rate set by other Part B vaccines. Free vaccine jabs for the public will also end. Moderna and Pfizer have tentatively said they plan to sell their shots for up to $130 each.
2. COVID-19 treatments such as Paxlovid will no longer be free for patients at the end of PHE.
3. CMS will stop covering up to eight COVID-19 at-home tests.
4. States and private insurance companies have the option to continue covering pharmacist-provided services, including COVID-19 testing, but there will no longer be a federal requirement to do so.
5. During the PHE, clinicians registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration have been able to prescribe schedule II-V controlled substances to patients they have not seen in person but with whom they have done a telehealth visit. This will expire.