The public health emergency declared when COVID-19 hit the U.S. in early 2020 is expected to end this coming spring. What does that mean for the vaccines and testing that Americans have been receiving for free, not to mention their access to broader health insurance coverage? Andy explores this question with physician and Medicaid expert Meera Mani, who explains why 15 million people could be at risk of losing care. Prem Shah, the chief pharmacy officer at CVS Health, then reminds Andy of the expanded role pharmacies played during the pandemic and how that could go away, too. The end of the public health emergency may be a bigger deal than you think.

Keep up with Andy on Twitter and Post @ASlavitt.

Follow Meera Mani @MeeraMani1 and Prem Shah @CVSHealth.

Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. 

 

Support the show by checking out our sponsors!

• CVS Health helps people navigate the healthcare system and their personal healthcare by improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful moment of health. At CVS Health, healthier happens together. Learn more at cvshealth.com.
• Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: https://lemonadamedia.com/sponsors/ 

 

Check out these resources from today’s episode: 

• Read CVS’s RX Report: https://www.cvshealth.com/content/dam/enterprise/cvs-enterprise/pdfs/2022/cvs-health-rx-report-2022-fall.pdf
• In the Bubble is nominated for a Signal Award, which recognizes the work of standout podcasts! Vote for Andy: https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2022/shows/general/health-wellness
• Find vaccines, masks, testing, treatments, and other resources in your community: https://www.covid.gov/
• Order Andy’s book, “Preventable: The Inside Story of How Leadership Failures, Politics, and Selfishness Doomed the U.S. Coronavirus Response”: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250770165 

Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. 

For additional resources, information, and a transcript of the episode, visit lemonadamedia.com/show/inthebubble.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.