(May 10, 2023) Based on current COVID-19 trends, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is ending the Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023.
During the Public Health Emergency, health plan members were not required to pay their share of the cost on all COVID-19 diagnostic tests, vaccinations and treatments.
The end of the emergency means cost-sharing will be reinstated, and payment of deductibles, copayments or coinsurance will apply when receiving COVID-19 tests and treatments. Approved COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be covered at no cost.
Under the Freeport-McMoRan medical plan administered by UnitedHealthcare, employees can expect the following changes effective May 12:
- COVID-19 vaccines and booster serums will continue to be covered as part of in-network preventive benefits at no cost to medical plan members.
- COVID-19 testing, related visits and treatments will be subject to employee cost-share (deductibles, copayments and coinsurance) in accordance with the member’s medical plan option (EPO, PPO or CDHP).
- Over-the-counter tests purchased after May 11 will not be a covered expense under the medical plan. However, members may use their Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account to purchase these tests.
In addition, U.S. President Joe Biden signed legislation to end the COVID-19 National Emergency. As a result, the Outbreak Period extending deadlines for participants to take certain actions ends effective July 10.
Beginning July 11, employees will see the return of standard plan-related deadlines as required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974 under Freeport’s benefit plans with respect to the following:
- HIPAA special enrollment period
- ERISA claims and appeals
- External medical claim reviews
- COBRA continuation coverage election periods
- COBRA continuation coverage payment periods
Read the current COVID-19 FAQs on FM Web for more detail or contact the HR Service Center for questions.