Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates and resources

Right now, if you are set to renew your medical assistance benefits (Medi-Cal), you can wait until the emergency declaration for COVID-19 is lifted.

If you pay copays or premiums, you won't receive billing statements during an emergency declaration for COVID-19. You will keep your benefits and can continue to receive services.

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, Anthem Medi-Cal members who receive a Notice of Appeal Resolution (NAR) that upholds an adverse benefit determination have an additional 120 days over and above the initial 120 days allowed to request a state fair hearing.

Any Anthem member whose 120-day deadline occurred between March 1, 2020, through the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, is now allowed up to an additional 120 days to request a state fair hearing. This means the initial 120-day time frame plus an additional 120 days, for a total of 240 days.

If you have any questions about this temporary change, please call the Customer Care Center Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. toll free at 800-407-4627 (TTY 711), or 888-285-7801 (TTY 711) for members in Los Angeles.

Many community-based adult service centers are temporarily closing, and we know you may be concerned. We’re here to help. If your center has closed, and you need help with daily care, medications, or food during this time, please call our Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) department toll free at 855-871-4899 (TTY 711).

If you have any questions about your benefits, we’re here for you. Call the Customer Care Center Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. toll free at 800-407-4627 (TTY 711), or 888-285-7801 (TTY 711) for members in Los Angeles, or log in to your account to send us a secure message.

An airway and lung infection, similar to a cold.

Similar to a cold or the flu. Mild to severe fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after being around someone who has COVID-19.

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure to the virus. Check the CDC website at cdc.gov/coronavirus for up-to-date information. If you are traveling, visit cdc.gov for the CDC’s most current travel guidelines.

Good health habits can also help prevent and fight COVID-19. Here are some tips:

• Washing your hands is the best way to avoid getting sick:
  • Wash often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • – If you cannot use soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Clean and disinfect items and surfaces you touch often with regular household cleaning spray or a wipe.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and throw away the tissue.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Older adults, people with disabilities, and people with diabetes or who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung, or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. We will support you by helping you receive the care you need.

If you are caring for someone, be sure visitors avoid putting them or you at risk. You can keep hand sanitizer by the door, or ask visitors to wash their hands. Wash your own hands thoroughly and use hand sanitizer before and after touching or feeding someone, or touching any mobility devices or equipment.

Here is what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says about wearing a facemask.

Call your doctor if you develop a fever, have a cough, or have difficulty breathing. Tell them if you have been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19, or if you live in or have been to an area where the virus has spread.

Your plan will pay for telehealth visits with your doctor.

If you cannot reach your doctor, call 24/7 NurseLine 24 hours a day, 7 days a week toll free at 800-224-0336 (TTY 711).

You can also make an appointment with LiveHealth Online and see a doctor from your smartphone.

If you have a Medi-Cal plan with us, you do not have to pay anything for the COVID-19 test or the doctor visit to be tested. Anthem covers the visit and test whether you receive care in a doctor’s office, urgent care center, or emergency department.

No, preapproval is not required for COVID-19 testing.

You should try to see your PCP or a doctor in your plan network. If your doctor offers telehealth visits, your plan will pay for those, too.

You also can see a doctor from your smartphone or tablet through LiveHealth Online.

We will pay for care you receive from doctors outside your plan network as long as the services are medically needed.

No. If you have Medi-Cal from us, your plan covers sick visits and tests.

Starting January 1, 2022, call the Medi-Cal Rx Call Center Line toll free at 800-977-2273 24 hours a day, seven days a week or 711 for TDD Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to find out about your options.

On or before December 31, 2021

• If you have questions about your medication or other pharmacy services, please call Pharmacy Member Services 24 hours a day, seven days a week toll free at 833-205-6004 (TTY 711), or 833-232-1712 (TTY 711) for members in Los Angeles.
• If you have questions about this notice or have Medi-Cal Rx general questions, contact the Medi-Cal Member Help Line (800-541-5555, TTY 800-430-7077), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Your health is important. Taking your medicines as prescribed, and refilling them on time will keep you on track.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized some COVID-19 vaccines and is working quickly to approve others. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines.

Each state will decide how and when to distribute vaccines. People at most risk of contracting COVID-19 or developing complications of illness will likely receive vaccinations first. Right now, the CDC recommends that healthcare workers and residents of nursing homes and long-term-care facilities be the first Americans to receive the vaccine. Vaccination should be more widely available in early to mid-2021. We will keep you updated.

The CDC is working closely with state, tribal, local, and territorial health departments to make sure vaccines are available.

No. If you have Medicare, Medicaid or CHIP, you won’t have to pay for your COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccination will help keep you from getting COVID-19. Many thousands of people across the United States took part in research trials over many months. These trials show the FDA whether a vaccine is safe and effective, which it must be certain of before it will authorize or approve a vaccine for public use.

Researchers studied vaccine reactions and potential side effects throughout the trials. Their studies will continue after the vaccine receives approval. The FDA, CDC, and vaccine manufacturers will continue to monitor safety and quality.

Medicaid: If you have Medicaid with us, you can activate your online account to get updates on COVID-19 vaccines. Activate your account 

Medicare: If you have Medicare with us, activate your account or download the Sydney Care App from Google Play or the App Store.

Yes. Even if you’ve already had COVID-19, you could still benefit from the vaccine. You can talk to your primary care provider to see what they recommend. The CDC also has information about the benefits of the vaccine.