As the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) comes to a close today, May 11, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) provides updates about changes to data reporting, Epidemic Orders and the continued availability of COVID-19 testing and vaccines.

“MDHHS will continue to provide resources to Michiganders to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, including access to free testing and vaccines,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Based on changes being made at the federal level, there will be updates made to data reporting and other requirements our state has been following for the past three years.”

Testing

MDHHS will continue supporting free over-the-counter test (OTC) distribution through the Michigan library program. Tests shipped direct to households via Project Act will be supported until at least June 2023. MDHHS will also support distribution of COVID-19 antigen tests to high-risk settings including long-term care, shelters, jails and schools.

Free COVID-19 testing will also continue at neighborhood and community testing locations, including distribution of OTCs. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will continue to support free COVID-19 testing at some locations.

No-cost coverage for testing will continue for Michigan residents with Medicaid through September 30, 2024, however other insurers may require cost-sharing. Individuals should contact their insurer for more information.

Vaccines

All currently distributed COVID-19 vaccines are considered federal assets. COVID-19 vaccines will eventually move to the commercial market, however, as the federal supply persists there will be no changes or cost associated with receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. The shift to commercial vaccine is projected to occur this fall. The Biden Administration recently announced a program to preserve free access to COVID-19 vaccines for the uninsured and underinsured even after the PHE ends.

Michiganders can find vaccine nearest them by visiting vaccines.gov or calling the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136. MDHHS will continue to support vaccination for homebound populations through collaboration with Disability Rights of Michigan. Through a partnership with MDHHS, Medical Network One and the Visiting Nurses Association will continue also be available to support COVID-19 vaccine events.

Click here to read the full announcement.