The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) developed a roadmap for the eventual end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), which was published in August 2022 and is continually being revised. CMS has been sharing information on what health care facilities and providers can do to prepare for future emergencies. This includes facilities returning to normal operations and meeting CMS requirements that promote the safety and quality of care they provide. For Medicaid, some additional COVID-19 PHE waivers and flexibilities will end on May 11, while others will remain in place for six months following the end of the PHE, such as those used to increase the number of individuals served under a waiver, expand provider qualifications, and other flexibilities.
COVID-19 testing will be affected by the updates on May 11. Starting May 12, anyone needing a COVID-19 test, will need to call their provider FIRST to obtain an order. Patients will not be able to receive testing by just showing up.