COVID-19 Medical Coverage Changes
Following End of Federal Public Health Emergency
Vaccines Treatment Testing
Medi-Cal
Fee-for-
Service
Free COVID -19
vaccines.
1
Free COVID-19 treatment and related
doctor visits.
2
Free COVID-19 tesng if ordered by a doctor.
Eight free at-home test kits per month are guaranteed at least
unl September 30, 2024.
2
Medi-Cal
Managed
Care
Free COVID -19
vaccines.
3
Free COVID-19 treatment and related
doctor visits.
3
Free COVID-19 tesng, including eight free at-home test kits
per month.
Medicare
Free COVID -19
vaccines with in-
network providers.
4
Free COVID-19 oral medicaons.
COVID-19 hospital visits and doctor
visits with in-network providers are
covered, but cost-sharing varies by
plan.
5
Free COVID-19 tesng if ordered by a doctor. The cost of at-
home test kits for people with Medicare Advantage will vary
by plan and might be free in some plans.
Some Medicare Advantage plans may sll provide free at-
home COVID-19 tests.
4
Medicare – Dual coverage also known as Medi-Medi where
Medicare does not provide coverage for over-the-counter
(OTC) COVID tests, Medi-Cal will provide coverage for the OTC
COVID angen tests through the Medi-Cal Rx benet.
California
Regulated
Private Plans
5
Free COVID-19 vaccines, treatment, and tesng with in-network providers,
3
including eight at-home test kits per month.
Using out-of-network providers may result in costs such as co-pays.
Uninsured
Unl August 2024 through the Bridge Access Program (BAP)
6
: Low-cost or free COVID-19 health care provider visits at FQHCs and
free clinics. Free COVID-19 vaccines at BAP pharmacies, community organizaons, clinics and FQHCs. See more resources at the
CDC Bridge Access program and Vaccines for Children.
Uninsured paents will have access to free OAV through the manufacturer’s
paent assistance programs. Learn more: tesnglocator.cdc.gov.
7
July, 2024 • © 2024, California Department of Public Health
July, 2024 • © 2024, California Department of Public Health
COVID-19 Medical Coverage Changes
Following End of Federal Public Health Emergency (Fed PHE)
1 Inaon Reducon Act – see Congressional explainer (PDF).
2 American Rescue Plan Act.
3 See Health and Safety Code secon 1342.2, and DMHC All Plan Leers 22-014 (SB 510) and 22-032 (SB 1473).
4 See Kaiser Family Foundaon commercializaon explainer and CMS FAQ document.
5 Applies to DMHC- and CDI-regulated plans. Does not apply to Medicare Advantage plans.
6 Latest updates at Bridge Access Program.
7 See DHCS COVID Uninsured Program FAQ.
Please note this table does not address commercial health plans regulated in other states or other health insurance types not listed here, such as self-
funded arrangements governed by the Employee Rerement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The informaon in this table is subject to change if
other legislaon or policies are enacted. Informaon is accurate as of 5/30/2024.