The National Emergency for COVID-19 ended on April 10, 2023 and the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) ended on May 11, 2023. The end of these declarations affect certain policies and resources available during the pandemic.

Despite the end of the PHE, Arapahoe County Public Health’s COVID-19 Program will continue to assist our communities with resources and guidance:

• Call 303-795-4424 or by email at COVIDInfo@arapahoegov.com.   

Changes Effective May 11, 2023

Additional updates will be posted as information become available.

COVID-19 Testing

Access to testing will vary by health insurance coverage. See below for more details. Some community locations will continue to have free at-home tests available. Call locations in advance as test availability may change at any time.

• Uninsured 
  Test may be purchased at pharmacies for $20–$30 (prices may vary). Some community locations will continue to have free test kits.
• Medicaid 
  Testing is still covered at no cost. 
• Medicare 
  Coverage for free at-home COVID-19 test kits will end. Only PCR testing ordered by your provider will be covered. Costs for this test will vary by plan. 
• Private Insurance
  Requirement to cover COVID-19 testing ends. Contact your health insurance carrier for coverage information.

COVID-19 Vaccines

Access to vaccines will vary by health insurance coverage. See below for more details. Find free COVID-19 vaccine clinics in the community.  

• Uninsured 
  Free COVID-19 vaccines are available for anyone who is uninsured until the federal supply runs out or if Congress issues more funds. COVID-19 vaccines are available from Arapahoe County Public Health.
• Medicaid 
  COVID-19 vaccines will be available at no cost.
• Medicare 
  COVID-19 vaccines will be available at no cost.    
• Private Insurance 
  Free COVID-19 vaccines are available until federal supply runs out. Contact your health insurance carrier for coverage information. Children can get free vaccines from Vaccines for Children providers.  

COVID-19 Treatment

Access to treatment will vary by health insurance coverage.

• Uninsured
  Paxlovid will be available at no cost until the federal supply runs out or if Congress issues more funds. 
• Medicaid 
  Will be covered without cost through Sept. 30, 2024. 
• Medicare 
  Will be covered without cost.    
• Private Insurance 
  Out-of-pocket expenses for certain treatments may change depending on individual coverage. Contact your health insurance carrier for coverage information.  

Telehealth (not limited to COVID-19 services)

In-person appointments are required again for controlled substances prescriptions. 

• Uninsured 
  No change. May be available with some providers.
• Medicaid 
  Coverage will continue in Colorado. 
• Medicare 
  No changes to coverage through Dec. 2024. 
• Private Insurance 
  No change. Coverage varies by plan.

Health Insurance

If you are uninsured and need help finding medical or dental care, check out our Low-Cost and Discount Medical and Dental Care flyer (en español).

• Uninsured 
  During the PHE, individuals could get Emergency Medicaid to cover the cost of COVID-19 testing and treatment. Emergency Medicaid for COVID-19 testing and treatment will no longer be available. 
• Medicaid 
  During the PHE, members kept their coverage, regardless of a change in eligibility. Starting in May 2023, members who no longer qualify for Health First Colorado of CHP+ coverage will lose that coverage at the end of their renewal month.  To stay covered:
  • Make sure your address is correct on CO.gov/PEAK or using the Health First Colorado app on your phone.  
  • Look for a renewal packet 60-70 days before your renewal month—the month when your Health First Colorado or CHP+ coverage started. 
  • Complete the renewal: 
    • Online at CO.gov/PEAK
    • Through the Health First Colorado App
    • By mail, fax, or bringing the completed signature page and updated renewal form pages to Arapahoe County’s CentrePoint or Arapahoe Plaza locations. 

If you don’t return your renewal on time, you will lose coverage! 

Be sure you are covered—Medicaid Renewals | No pierda su cobertura—Renovaciones de Medicaid

• Medicare 
   No changes. 
• Private Insurance
   COBRA flexibilities end.

COVID-19 Paid Leave

This 80-hour leave will continue until four weeks after the PHE ends. The end date will be June 9, 2023. State-mandated paid leave, other than that for COVID-19 under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA), will continue. 

COVID-19 Exposure Notifications service

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s CO Exposure Notifications, available using apps from the Apple and Google Play stores will not be operational after May 11.

Additional Resources

• CMS Waivers, Flexibilities, and the Transition Forward from the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
• The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Unwinding