US Ends COVID-19 Emergency in May... "Free Vaccines End"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The United States will end the public health emergency for COVID-19 after three years. The termination date is scheduled for May 11.

The White House announced this schedule on the 30th (local time), expressing opposition to a Republican House resolution demanding the immediate end of the public health emergency, according to the Associated Press.

President Joe Biden [Photo by Yonhap News]

The White House Office of Management and Budget explained in a policy statement that President Biden will end the emergency on May 11. However, it stated that an abrupt end to the emergency would cause widespread uncertainty across the healthcare system, making an immediate termination impossible.

The previous Donald Trump administration declared a public health emergency for COVID-19 in March 2020. Since then, the emergency has been extended every 90 days under the Public Health Service Act. In the U.S., when a serious disease causes an emergency, the Secretary of Health and Human Services can declare a public health emergency for 90 days and extend it as necessary.

Under the emergency system, COVID-19 tests, vaccines, and treatments are provided free of charge. Additionally, millions of low-income individuals can receive insurance benefits through medical coverage programs.

Securing the budget to support these benefits has been an obstacle to extending the emergency. The U.S. Republicans pointed out that "the Biden administration is spending too much budget on COVID-19 related support" and urged the termination of the emergency.

With this decision, if the emergency ends, individuals will have to bear the costs of COVID-19 vaccinations and treatments. Significant changes are also expected in health insurance, telemedicine, and drug approvals.