Member Coronavirus Information

On July 23, 2020, HHS Secretary Alex Azar renewed the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). This extends flexibilities and funding tied to the PHE to continue for another 90 days. 

With this renewal the various testing, screening, billing, and telehealth coverages that were implemented in response to the COVID-19 PHE earlier this year will be extended to our members. This extension will go through late October, until the PHE is either terminated or extended again. This extension does not affect coverages that had already been made effective through December 31, 2020. 

Do you have any questions about this extension or the covered benefits impacted by it? Please contact Member Services.

COVID-19 is a disease that mainly affects how you breathe. It is caused by a new virus called the novel coronavirus, which has become a public health emergency. The number of cases keep growing across the nation and around the world.

The symptoms of COVID-19 include mild to severe breathing problems like coughing and shortness of breath. Fever is also a symptom. The virus may be spread even before a person begins to show symptoms.

Influenza (the flu), is an illness that also affects how you breathe. The flu is also highly active in the United States at this time. Every person ages six months and older should get a flu vaccine.

If you have been exposed or begin showing symptoms of COVID-19 or the flu, contact your health care provider or health department at once.

If you have the symptoms noted above, you can also call our 24-hour Nurse Advice Line. To learn more, please call us at 866-807-4490 (TTY: 711). We can also answer common questions you may have about COVID-19.

We all have a role to play to protect our neighborhoods and families from the spread of COVID-19. Follow these tips to help prevent yourself and others from getting sick:

• Wash your hands completely and often. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizing rub (must contain at least 60% alcohol).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or use a tissue.
• Promptly throw away tissues in a trash can after use.
• Fully clean public surfaces with soap and water or cleaning products
• Stay home when you are sick except to get medical care.
• Avoid shaking hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Get a flu vaccine.
• Keep at least six feet away from others as much as you can.

Yes. When required medical testing and screening services have been ordered or referred by a doctor to see if you have COVID-19, we will cover the costs. We will also cover the cost of the doctor visit. If it applies, your plan's copayment and coinsurance payment will be waived for COVID-19 testing and screening. So will your deductible cost-sharing.

No. You do not need to have prior consent or follow prior authorization rules – for required medical testing and screening services ordered or referred by a doctor or licensed health care provider.

Required COVID-19 medical testing, screening services and related doctor visits will be covered when ordered, referred and/or performed in these in-network places:

• Doctor's office
• Independent lab/diagnostic center
• Urgent care
• Emergency department

Are you unsure if you have been exposed to or are at-risk of having COVID-19? Schedule a call via telephone or online with a provider. It is a good option for non-urgent care to limit potential exposure in a doctor’s office or other health care center.

No. We will cover required medical testing and screening services ordered or referred by a doctor to see if you have COVID-19. These services will be at no cost to you. We will also cover the cost of the doctor visit. Also, if it applies, your plan's copayment and coinsurance payment will be waived for COVID-19 testing and screening. So will your deductible cost-sharing.

Any required medical treatment that relates to COVID-19 would be a covered benefit. We are committed to making sure you have access to COVID-19 treatment services in keeping with federal and state law.

Yes. You will be able to refill prescriptions prior to the refill date.

Worry and fear can rise about the spread of COVID-19. Concern for friends and family who live in places where COVID-19 is spreading is common.

• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate.
• Connect with others via phone or online visits. Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Keep healthy friendships and a sense of hope and upbeat thinking.
• Share the facts about COVID-19 and its risk to others. If you have returned from a place where COVID-19 has spread (more than 14 days ago) and do not have any symptoms of the virus, please distance yourself. Do not put others at risk.
• For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) suggestions for mental health and coping during COVID-19.

Tip #1: Clean your phone right now

Drop what you’re doing! Clean your phone and case right now! You can use disinfecting wipes or sprays.

Why is this important?

It’s easy to say “I can always clean my phone later”. If you do it right now, you won’t forget! We’ve also told you how so you don’t have to figure that out on your own.

Tip #2: Use an alarm

Set a phone alarm called “clean phone.” Set an alarm on your phone called “clean phone” once per day. When it goes off, clean your phone right then and there!

Why is this important?

Even if you just cleaned your phone right now, you’re going to forget later! That’s why reminders are so important. You’ll have to clean.

For more information about cleaning and disinfecting visit the CDC Cleaning And Disinfecting Your Home page.

Protect yourself and those around you. Please consider the following before returning to adult day services.

• If you feel sick, stay home.
  • Avoid public places.
  • Contact your health care provider.
• Practice healthy habits.
  • Wash your hands after touching public surfaces.
  • Avoid touching your face.
  • Sneeze or cough into a tissue. You can also use the inside of your elbow.
  • Clean frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.
  • Use a face mask while in public.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and frequent hand washing
  • Your provider may require a face covering and gloves during a visit. They may also require frequent hand washing.
  • Your service plan may be updated based on how you tolerate these changes.
• This has been a stressful time. If it’s affecting your mental health, you may need to speak to someone.

As a California Health & Wellness member, you have access to health professionals 24/7. You can call the 24/7 Nurse Advice Line for non-emergencies. For more information about this service, call us at 1-877-658-0305.

It’s important to change how we use public spaces. Consider whether you need to touch certain objects and surfaces. Be sure to wipe public items before and after you touch them.

Things to be aware of while at your adult day center.

We have all had to make changes to reduce the spread of COVID-19. To reopen, we will need to continue these safe practices.

• Social distancing
  • Stay 6 feet away from others when going into a shared space.
• Wash your hands.
  • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available
• Wear a face covering.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when sick.
• Clean frequently touched items and surfaces.

It’s important to follow state and local guidance as we reopen. This will help you to change your plan as situations change.

Make sure your provider has a plan to maintain a safe environment.

When you return home from your adult day center.

We should think about our safety and the safety of others. The following can help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

• Disinfect “high touch” surfaces and items every day.
  • This includes personal devices and electronics.
  • Be sure to follow the cleaning product’s instructions.
• Consider changing your clothes before entering your home.

If you cannot return to your adult day center

As a California Health & Wellness member, you may have respite hours available for your caregiver. These may be used if you cannot return to your day service program. For more information, call us at 1-877-658-0305.