COVID-19 News and Updates
Hello all,
Nina Duggan here with the latest COVID-19 news and updates.
This week we will be discussing the MaineCare Unwinding process and available supports, the May 11, 2023 ending of the public health emergency tied to COVID-19 in the United States, and the approval of the first RSV vaccine in the United States.
COVID Communication:
The “Unwinding” and the End of the Public Health Emergency
With the ending of the federal public health emergency comes many changes to healthcare at the state level as well. With these changes comes the “Unwinding”, the term used by the state to identify the changes to MainCare Coverage.
During this time period, it is extremely important to make sure all contact information is up to date (phone number, address, etc.) to ensure that you stay connected and covered. This information can be updated via the My Maine Connection portal.
If you are not signed up for electronic notifications, you will receive an envelope with a blue block informing you it is time for renewal, prompting the tagline “If it’s blue it’s time to renew”. If you are receiving electronic notifications, your renewal notification will be sent by email.
If you do not connect/follow up on these notifications you will lose your MaineCare coverage.
Notifications will be sent out at 90 days and 30 days before renewal, the last notice will be approval or denial of coverage.
If you are having difficulty with the renewal process or are denied care, health navigators/enrollment assisters are available at the below sites:
CoverMe: https://www.coverme.gov/
Maine Consumers for Affordable Healthcare: https://www.mainecahc.org/
Further resources will be included in the links provided for this article, however, if you have general questions or need support, please reach out to us at nina.duggan@healthyacadia.org or 201-271-6023. We will be happy to help you with this process or to connect you to someone who can assist you. We will also be posting more information on the Unwinding via future iterations of this weekly email and our social media accounts.
Further links and sources: CAHC: “Hospital Free Care”; DHHS “Preparing for the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and the Medicaid Continuous Coverage Requirement”; MaineCare: “Unwinding Explained” (Video)
COVID in the News:
State of COVID-19 in Maine
In the past week there have been 10 new deaths associated with COVID-19 in the state of Maine, with an additional 261 new cases reported. There are currently 68 COVID-19 hospitalizations.
End of the COVID Public Health Emergency in the United States
On May 11th the federal public health emergency declaration for COVID-19 officially ends. COVID-19 continues to be a public health threat of major concern, it is not over with the ending of the emergency declaration, we are however in a better position than we were in previously with the advent of vaccines, treatments, and testing.
So, what does this mean in practice?
· Primary vaccines and boosters: These will remain free for a short period of time thanks to the national stockpile, however this means that if you are unvaccinated or need an updated booster you should receive one as soon as possible to avoid the anticipated cost.
· Paxlovid: Similar to the vaccines, Paxlovid treatments will remain free for a short period of time thanks to the national stockpile purchased under the public health emergency. However, this will not be the case in the long-term.
· COVID Tests: Tests will no longer be free. Some private insurances will still be covering tests, but that will vary depending on the insurance.
· Medicaid and CHIP funds: Funding set aside to treat COVID-19 under these programs will be ending, meaning that those covered by these programs will now be charged for treatment if they should become sick.
· Telehealth: Medicare’s coverage of Telehealth visits will be continuing for two more years.
· CDC COVID-19 Data Coverage: The CDC will be reducing its coverage of COVID-19 data. They will no longer be tracking COVID-19 deaths and test positivity. Furthermore, their V-safe program for check-ins following vaccination will be ending. Percentage of COVID related deaths, weekly tracking of hospitalizations and emergency department visits, and wastewater surveillance to monitor incidence and variants will still be provided.
Several other state-affiliated programs will be ending, and less aid will be as immediately available. More information will be distributed regularly as it becomes available.
For the full post: Epidemiologist Kat:” The federal COVID-19 PHE declaration will end Thursday May 11, 2023-so what does that mean for you?”
First RSV Vaccine FDA Approved
This past fall and winter the United States was hit hard with a series of respiratory viruses termed the “tripledemic”, a mix of COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and RSV. One of the major issues with this “tripledemic”, was the fact that there was no real means of preventing RSV beyond personal health practices (e.g. wearing a mask, washing hands, etc.).
Now, the FDA has just approved the first ever RSV vaccine. This new vaccine, Arexvy, has been approved for use in individuals 60 years of age and older. This vaccine is a a single dose vaccine that’s expected to become available for seniors by this fall.
In older individuals, RSV infections can lead to life-threatening pneumonia and bronchiolitis, and is responsible for 60,000-120,000 hospitalizations and 6,000-10,000 deaths per year in those 65 years and older.
The vaccine boasts an excellent safety profile and is proving to be quite effective in clinical trials. The vaccine so far has shown to be 72% effective against any RSV infection, 83% effective against RSV-linked lower respiratory tract disease, and 94% effective against severe RSV-linked lower respiratory tract disease.
For the full post: Unbiased SciPod: “First RSV Vaccine FDA Approved”
Further links and sources: FDA: “FDA Approves First Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine”; NEJM: “Respiratory Syncytia Virus Prefusion F Protein Vaccine in Older Adults”; CDC: “Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV)”
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If you or anyone you know have questions or concerns about COVID-19 or the available vaccines please call or text our COVID-19 Peer Support Line at 207-271-6023, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.