What Happens to Coverage for COVID Testing Post-PHE?

Many people have questions about whether diagnostic testing for COVID-19 will continue to be covered cost-free after the official end of the public health emergency (PHE). Although federal agencies have encouraged continued coverage, group health plans are no longer required to offer cost-free COVID testing after the end of the PHE. However, federal agencies have clarified that if over-the-counter tests are provided, they are considered to be "furnished" as of the date of sale. For testing that is provided by healthcare providers, the "testing" is considered furnished as of the date testing began (so if a specimen was collected during the PHE, any related analysis and testing will also be considered to have occurred during the PHE). Vaccines are treated differently. Non-grandfathered plans must continue to cover these preventative vaccines after the end of the PHE, however, they may impose cost-sharing for vaccines delivered by out-of-network providers (assuming the vaccine is available from an in-network provider). For more information on some of the temporary healthcare relief offered in response to COVID-19, visit Tax Facts Online. (: Q 8828.