As U.S. Emergency Declarations End, Access to COVID-19 Protections Continues for Los Angeles County Residents

Vaccines, Tests, Treatment Remain Widely Available

As the U.S. Public Health Emergency and the National Emergency Declaration for COVID-19 end May 11, following the announcement by the World Health Organization that COVID-19 is no longer considered a global public health emergency, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health or Public Health remains committed to ensuring all residents have access to the tools they need to keep community transmission low.

While the end of the federal states of emergency signals a new phase in the pandemic, COVID-19 continues to be one of the leading causes of death in Los Angeles County, requiring ongoing efforts to reduce severe illness through readily available vaccinations, testing and treatment.

Fortunately, Los Angeles County residents will see few immediate changes in their access to preventative resources. The federal government will continue to make its supply of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, Paxlovid and Molnupiravir, available to residents at no cost regardless of a person’s insurance coverage.

In California, new laws require insurance plans, including Medicare or Medi-Cal, to cover the cost of vaccines, testing and Paxlovid for COVID-19 treatment through Nov. 11, 2023. Exact coverage may vary depending on an individual’s insurance plan.

Residents without insurance may receive free at-home test kits or PCR tests for COVID-19 at public health clinics and vaccination sites, at community health centers or purchase tests from a local retailer. People who are uninsured can visit coveredca.com to see if they qualify for Medi-Cal or Covered California coverage.

Public Health’s Call Center will continue to operate, connecting eligible residents to free telehealth, homebound vaccination appointments, COVID-19 information and other resources. Residents are encouraged to call 1-833-540-0473, available daily between 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., to access these services.

The 7-day average number of COVID hospitalizations was 252 last week, similar to the 266 reported the week prior. Reported weekly deaths also remained stable at 46 deaths last week; this is slightly less than the 51 deaths reported the week prior.

Details: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov