The social benefits that will disappear when Biden ends the Covid-19 emergency

May 11 will be an important date in the United States. From that day the national emergency by Covid-19 will end, It was decreed in 2020, when what started as a virus in a market in Wuhan, China, became a pandemic that upended the entire world. This week, President Joe Biden informed Congress of the termination of the federal response to the crisis, considering that there has already been a return to normality. That way, within three months a series of benefits will disappear offered by the national government.

As of the day in question, the virus would be given a endemic threat treatment which can be handled through the normal public health authorities. Although the Republicans in the House of Representatives proposed an immediate end to the emergency, Biden opposed this measure. The president postponed completion for a few more months and argued that he would adhere to his administration’s commitment to give at least 60 days notice of the end of any initiative.

The measure announced in 2020 was far-reaching, allowing the government to provide many Americans with tests, medication and vaccines against Covid-19 completely free of charge. Likewise, it also temporarily extended social security benefits. The end of the national emergency will mean that people will begin to have to pay for goods and services they received at no cost during the pandemic, a change that will undoubtedly It will impact the pocket of millions.

For example, those who have Medicaid, Medicare and other private insurance, were able to get tested for Covid-19 and get vaccinated, without paying anything. Likewise, those subscribed to the first two programs have received full coverage for certain therapeutic treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies, according to CNN.

According to the same media, after May 11, those with Medicare will have 100% covered vaccines and tests ordered by doctors. However, they will have to pay for the costs of home tests and treatments.

The Medicaid case does not differ much from the previous one, since the cost of the treatments will have to be borne by the affiliates, while they will still be able to take Covid-19 tests prescribed by a specialist and get vaccinated for free.

In the case of vaccines for those with health insurance, they are will remain free even after the public health emergency has ended. Federal laws such as Obamacare, the Cut Inflation Act, and an aid package announced in 2020 will still cover immunization costs.

On the other hand, those who do not have any type of insurance were covered by aid programs for the pandemic. Nevertheless, given the level of demand, funding from the federal government dried up during the first quarter of last yearwhich made it difficult for many to obtain health services associated with Covid-19 for free.

THE NATION