COVID--19

Starting on September 25, every U.S. household had an opportunity to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests through a partnership between the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and the United States Postal Service. On November 20, a second round of ordering opened, allowing each household to place a second order to receive four more free tests. Households that have not yet placed an order can place two orders now, to receive a total of eight tests. People who are blind or have low vision can place a second order for free Ellume COVID Home Tests, which are more accessible than other options.

The Kaiser Family Foundation has released an issue brief discussing the ramifications of the end of the public health emergency (PHE) for Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS). This brief includes background information on how states supported Medicaid HCBS during the PHE, and highlights important things to watch in Medicaid HCBS as the PHE comes to and end on May 11, 2023.

The purpose of this study is to examine the physical and mental well-being of community-dwelling older adults and their informal or unpaid caregivers during public health emergencies, such as COVID-19. This project also aims to identify public health interventions and strategies available to support older adults and caregivers during public health emergencies.