Public Health Emergencies

Understanding Coverage Considerations for COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments (Updated May 2023)

This Issue Brief examines children’s health coverage trends using the National Health Interview Survey from 2010 through the third quarter of 2022 and reviews recent research findings from the National Survey of Children's Health on children’s access to and utilization of health care services during this period, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

This issue brief provides updates on state Medicaid policies regarding delivery of telehealth services by provider types and modalities, as of January 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic substantially accelerated interest in and utilization of telehealth across all payers including Medicaid.

The COVID-19 pandemic had wide-ranging impacts on health care delivery, particularly services that require in-person interactions. For patients needing access to medications to treat pain or certain substance use disorders, the COVID-19 pandemic presented particular challenges for continuity of treatment.