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Maryland Carroll County Health Department

End of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency 

Due to the end of the COVID-19 federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023, the Health Department will integrate COVID-19 into our existing infectious disease program. Many COVID-19 services will continue to be available in Carroll County for now.

Vaccines

  • The Health Department will continue to offer COVID-19 vaccine clinics with bivalent vaccines for all ages 6 months and up. Visit our registration page.
  • CDC’s new recommendations allow an additional updated (bivalent) vaccine dose for adults ages 65 years and older and additional doses for people who are immunocompromised.
  • Vaccines are also available at many pharmacies and clinics. Visit vaccines.gov
  • An updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected in the fall.

 

Testing

  • At-home test kits continue to be available at local library branches, while supplies last. Check availability on their website.
  • The FDA has extended the expiration date on many at-home test kits.
  • Insurance providers will no longer be required to waive costs or provide free COVID-19 test kits. For people on Medicaid, at-home tests will be covered at no cost through September 2024.
  • Most insured people will still have coverage for COVID testing ordered by a health care provider, but there may be costs and/or limits.
  • Find free testing with CDC’s No Cost COVID-19 Testing Locator 

 

Treatments

  • Medication to prevent severe COVID-19, such as Paxlovid, will remain available for free while supplies last. After that, the price will be determined by the manufacturer and your health insurance coverage. 
  • Check with your healthcare provider if you need early treatment to prevent severe COVID-19.

 

Data

 

Information and Assistance

  • The MD GOVAX Call Center has transitioned to 2-1-1 Maryland. Find COVID-19 resources in your area by calling 2-1-1 or texting your zip code to 898 211.

 

  • Starting in April 2023, Maryland began making Medicaid eligibility reviews again. Not everyone will be up for renewal at the same time. These renewals will take place over 12 months. 
    • If you have Medicaid, make sure your contact information is up to date so you get renewal information and keep your coverage. 
    • Log in to your account at MarylandHealthConnection.gov and update your contact information. Watch for communications from Maryland Health Connection to renew or update your coverage.
    • Learn more at Medicaid Check-In 2023
    • Contact the Health Department’s Medicaid program at 410-876-4811 or the Department of Social Services Medicaid program at 410-386-3300 for more information or help navigating.

 

  • SNAP Benefits have been reduced to the eligible amount a household of your size received without the extra amount added for the pandemic.
    • For assistance with SNAP benefits through the Department of Social Services, call 410-386-3300.