Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson | Wisconsin Health Care Association Website
Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson | Wisconsin Health Care Association Website
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has announced that its COVID-19 Treatment Telehealth Program will conclude on April 10. The program, which began in November 2022, was initially set to end in 2023 but was extended due to its success and the high number of COVID-19 cases at the time.
Since its inception, the program has completed 8,819 consultations, offering health guidance and access to COVID-19 antiviral treatments at no cost. "We're extremely proud of the success of this program, which provided free telehealth service to thousands of Wisconsinites, especially older adults and people living in rural communities," said DHS Deputy Secretary Deb Standridge. She added, "Through the support of federal funding, we were able to extend this program's operations for Wisconsinites. As the program ends, we urge Wisconsinites to remember COVID-19 has not gone away. We now have better tools to protect, prevent, and ensure access to COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and treatment through your health care provider, community clinic, or pharmacy."
According to the DHS weekly Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report, COVID-19 is currently circulating at low levels with decreasing transmission rates.
After April 10, residents can still access COVID-19 antiviral treatments through their healthcare providers, community clinics, or pharmacies. The cost will depend on individual health insurance plans. Those without insurance or whose plans do not cover COVID-19 care may seek treatment through Wisconsin's ForwardHealth free or low-cost clinics.
Patients prescribed a COVID-19 therapeutic can receive treatment at no cost through December 31, 2024 via the federal Patient Assistant Program (PAP), applicable for those with Medicare or Medicaid as well as uninsured individuals. Additionally, patients with private insurance can use Pfizer's PAXCESS patient support program for vouchers up to $1,500 to potentially reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Individuals who previously received care through the Wisconsin COVID-19 Treatment Telehealth Program can continue accessing their after-visit summaries online via Color Health accounts.
For more information about available treatments and vaccines near you visit Vaccines.gov.
Media inquiries can be directed to DHSMedia@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
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