New Mask Policy
New Mask Policy
On May 11, 2023, the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency will end, and Massachusetts will also lift certain requirements for health care facilities that had been in place to protect public health and safety. As of May 12, 2023, universal masking will no longer be required at Acton Medical Associates for patients or staff.
All patients will continue to be screened for respiratory illness and COVID-19 exposure history through our same day symptom screening process or upon check-in for appointments.
Optional masking is supported at Acton Medical Associates, and surgical masks will continue to be available for those who choose to wear a mask. Please be respectful of our care team members and other patients and visitors who may choose to mask while at our practices.
If you are experiencing symptoms, you will be required to wear a mask to decrease the risk of illness transmission within our facilities.
Acton Medical Associates may reinstitute universal masking at any time, such as in the event of increased COVID-19 transmission or based on the recommendation of public health authorities.
- COVID-19 Testing, Vaccine and Treatment Coverage Changes
During the public health emergency, COVID-19 tests, vaccinations, and some treatments were available at no cost to most people. Now that the public health emergency has ended, it is a good idea to contact your health plan to learn what has changed. Starting May 12, 2023, your benefits coverage, and the costs you will be responsible for paying out-of-pocket will vary depending on your health plan.
- COVID-19 Vaccines
Medicare and Medicaid (Mass Health) and most commercial insurance will continue to cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines. You may be responsible for a copayment depending on the terms of your health plan.
- COVID-19 Testing
Diagnostic COVID-19 tests ordered by your clinician are expected to be covered by most insurance companies. You may be responsible for a copayment depending on the terms of your health plan. Elective COVID-19 tests (for school, employment, travel) which are not medically necessary will not be covered by insurance. Most insurance companies plan to stop reimbursement for at-home COVID-19 tests.
- COVID-19 Therapies
Treatment for Covid-19 will be like getting treatment for any other illness and will be subject to the normal copays and deductibles of your insurance. Contact your health plan to confirm what cost-sharing you may have for COVID-19 therapies and treatments.
We will continue to monitor COVID-19 activity, and we recommend ongoing infection prevention measures such as frequent hand-washing, COVID-19 vaccination, staying home when you are ill, and getting tested when needed. For more information, visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website, and its COVID-19 Prevention webpage.