Snow Hill, MD -  As of May 11, 2023 the Department of Health and Human Services declared the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), over.

Though the declaration may be over, Worcester Health encourages residents to practice COVID-19 prevention measures such as washing hands thoroughly, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home if you are sick. Below are changes that you can expect in relation to the end of the PHE as well as links to resources.

Insurance Updates:

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Medicaid eligibility expanded to include some Maryland residents who were previously not eligible. With the ending of the Public Health Emergency, some residents may no longer qualify for Medicaid coverage. As of April 2023, if you are no longer eligible or need to renew your Medicaid coverage, you will receive a notice from Maryland Health Connection in your account or in the mail when it is your turn to renew.

Maryland Medicaid Renewals will not be automatic this year, and not everyone will be up for renewal at the same time. These renewals will take place over 12 months. Learn more about the Maryland Medicaid Check-In 2023 here.

What you need to do:

■ Log in to your account at MarylandHealthConnection.gov and update your contact information.

■ Watch for communications from Maryland Health Connection. When you get your notice, you will have 45 days to respond.

■ Renew your coverage or enroll in a private plan when you receive your notice.

If you need insurance assistance, contact the Lower Shore Health Insurance Assistance Program at (855 )445-5540 or visit their website, lowershorehealth.org

COVID-19 Testing:

Beginning July 1, 2023, the Worcester County Health Department will no longer be hosting COVID-19 testing clinics.

Free at-home testing kits will still be available to all residents for pick-up at these locations: 

• Snow Hill Health Department: 6040 Public Landing Rd. Snow Hill, MD, 21863 

Phone: (410) 632-1100

• Pocomoke Health Center: 400-A Walnut St. Pocomoke, MD 21851

Phone: 410-957-2005

• Berlin Health Center:  9730 Healthway Dr. Berlin, MD 21811

Phone: (410) 629-0164

• Ocean Pines Public Library: 11107 Cathell Road, Ocean Pines, MD 21811 

Phone: (410)208-4014

• Snow Hill Public Library: 307 North Washington Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863

Phone: (410) 632-3495

• Berlin Public Library: 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811 

Phone: (410) 641-0650

• Ocean City Public Library: 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 2184

Phone: (410) 524-1818

• Pocomoke Public Library: 301 Market Street, Pocomoke City, MD 21851

Phone: (410) 957-0878

Free, at-home COVID-19 test kits will be available while supplies last; a notice will be sent out to the public once there are no more test kits available.

Vaccines:

Worcester Health will still be providing COVID-19 vaccines by appointment. Call 410-632-1100, select option 4 to schedule a vaccine appointment. To view clinic dates and self-schedule an appointment, visit worcesterhealth.org 

To find other vaccine locations, health.maryland.gov/covid