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
- State and national COVID-19 data reporting will be reduced.
- Currently, the Health Department will continue to update limited local data on our website.
- For updates on COVID-19 data, visit the Maryland Department of Health or the CDC.
- Participate in a COVID-19 Health survey by May 15th to qualify for a drawing for one of five $100 gift cards.
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.