Changes to Expect with the End of the Public Health Emergency

We are in a new era of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and Public Health remains committed to ensuring our residents stay up to date on the latest changes. The Public Health Emergency declaration related to COVID-19 ended on May 11, 2023. As a result, your access to some programs and services may change. “Public Health will remain vigilant in many of our COVID-19 mitigation efforts, but some of the resources we have grown accustomed to may no longer be available,” said Dr. Raynard Washington, Mecklenburg County Public Health director. “We are committed to continuing to make COVID-19 resources, including vaccines, at-home test kits, and face masks, available to everyone in Mecklenburg County, but residents should anticipate some changes.”

COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and treatment will be free in North Carolina, regardless of insurance or immigration status, but only while supplies last. Once the supply is depleted, you may need to use health insurance to cover the cost for these items or pay for the items yourself.

When supplies of federally purchased vaccines run out, they will be available like flu shots and other routine vaccinations, covered by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance or paid for out-of-pocket. Find vaccines near you. 

At-home COVID-19 tests are still available from many places at no cost and can be mailed directly to a home address. Find at-home test kits near you. Check the expiration date for your at-home test kit.

Federal Test to Treat locations will continue to provide treatment at no cost to those who are uninsured or underinsured, although a fee may be charged for evaluation. Find treatment near you.

Supplemental Benefit Impact:

The end of the Public Health Emergency may also change your Medicaid, WIC and Food and Nutrition Services benefits. As North Carolina reviews the status of all Medicaid recipients, those who receive Medicaid may get notified by postal mail, email, phone, or text message with instructions for when and how to renew coverage. It’s important to update all information related to benefits coverage, respond right away to instructions, and submit all required materials on time to continue receiving benefits. Get more information about Medicaid from NC DHHS.

You may need to report changes in income or expenses due to the end of the public health emergency to make sure your Food and Nutrition benefits are correct. Contact our Food and Nutrition Services office.

For WIC services, availability of some types of milk, yogurt, and bread may be limited. Contact our WIC office.