April 29, 2020
How to Get Tested

Orange County COVID-19 Testing Network Launched
The Orange County COVID-19 Testing Network coordinates and expands testing across Orange County to create a safety net for anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms but is unable to receive testing through a health care provider.

Please note that COVID-19 testing may be restricted at times to high-priority groups, as defined by the California Department of Public Health or Orange County Public Health.

However, if you know someone who wants to get tested, they need to follow these steps in the order below. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

  1. Call their primary care provider (PCP) to schedule a visit by phone or telehealth. Their PCP will decide if they meet the current testing criteria.
  2. If they meet the criteria and their PCP offers testing at their office, the person needs to schedule an appointment to be tested at their PCP’s office.
  3. If they meet the criteria and their PCP does not offer testing, then the person needs to call their health network to make an appointment at the health network’s testing site.
  4. If both their PCP and health network do not offer testing, then they can call the Orange County COVID-19 Testing Network of clinics to make an appointment. The person MUST make an appointment for testing with one of the clinics to ensure eligibility and availability to be tested.

If someone does not have a PCP or a health network, then they can proceed to step 4 (above).

If a new CalOptima member does not have a PCP or health network, please have them call us to choose a PCP and a health network. Call CalOptima Customer Service toll-free at 1-888-587-8088 , 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We have staff who speak their language. TTY users can call toll-free at 1-800-735-2929 . Visit us at www.caloptima.org .

CalOptima has waived all costs for our members to get screened, tested and receive medically necessary treatment for COVID-19. If they are asked to pay, please call us at the above number.

For the OC COVID-19 Testing Network, appointments need to be scheduled at any of the below network test sites to assure eligibility and availability to be tested. Locations include:
  • AltaMed Urgent Care – Anaheim at 888-499-9303
  • AltaMed Medical Group – Huntington Beach at 888-499-9303
  • AltaMed Medical Group – Santa Ana Bristol at 888-499-9303
  • Nhân Hòa Comprehensive Healthcare Clinic at 714-898-8888
  • UCI Health – call for site locations at 714-456-7002

Information about the testing network can be found at https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/covid-19-testing-and-screening or by calling the Orange County Health Care Agency’s Health Referral Line at
800-564-8448. 
Behavioral Health Support for CalOptima Members
During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The outbreak of COVID-19 can be a stressful time for people. Those with preexisting mental health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the psychological impact of a health-related emergency. Social distancing, restricting movements, economic uncertainty, and limited support may exacerbate mental wellbeing. 

When helping CalOptima members cope with COVID-19 related issues, pay close attention to signs of mental health concerns. Keep in mind that someone in need of mental health services may not always directly ask for help. Some members may be reluctant to start the conversation for various reasons. Here are some signs to look for when talking to members:
  • Being lonely or feeling of loneliness
  • Frequent crying
  • Isolation
  • Feeling hopeless 
  • Feeling helpless
  • Anxiousness
  • Being worried
  • Being afraid
  • Feeling upset 
  • Feeling depressed
  • Feeling angry
  • Irritability
  • Agitation
  • Feeling overwhelmed
If a CalOptima member reports these signs, take the time to ask if he or she is interested in mental health services. 

For CalOptima members who want to obtain mental health services or have mental health questions, please give them our number or do a warm transfer to CalOptima’s Behavioral Health line at 1‑855‑877‑3885

As a reminder, mental health services such as medication management and talk therapy are available to our members via telehealth. During the COVID-19 health crisis, members can access mental health services without the need to leave their home.
COVID-19 Regulatory Highlights
Due to the rapidly changing situation surrounding COVID-19, CalOptima is posting a round-up of federal/state rules, guidance and news related to COVID-19. It will be updated frequently, as we receive information from our regulatory agencies.

Below are recent COVID-19 Regulatory Highlights:

  • AMA COVID-19 Coding Advice (posted 4/21/20)
  • CMS News Alert April 16, 2020 (posted 4/17/20)
  • COVID-19 Long-Term Care Facility Transfer Scenarios (posted 4/16/20)
  • CMS Increases Medicare Payment for High-Production Coronavirus Lab Tests (posted 4/15/20)
  • DHCS Provision of Care in Alternative Settings, Hospital Capacity, and Blanket Section 1135 Waiver Flexibilities for Medicare and Medicaid Enrolled Providers Relative to COVID-19 (posted 4/13/20)
  • CDPH AFL 20-39: COVID-19 Optimizing the Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (posted 4/13/20)

For COVID-19 Regulatory Highlights prior to April 21, 2020, please visit the Providers section of our website at www.caloptima.org/en/Features/COVID-19/ProviderCommunication/RegulatoryHighlights.aspx
Social Services Agency Announces
Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card Online Purchases
During COVID-19 Crisis
Governor Newsom Announces Initiatives to Support Older Californians During COVID-19 Pandemic
On April 24, 2020, Governor Newsom announced California is stepping up support with a series of initiatives focused for vulnerable older Californians who are isolating at home during the stay-at-home order.

California is launching three initiatives that will support 1.2 million adults over the age of 65 who live alone.
  1. Restaurants Deliver: Home Meals for Seniors
  2. Social Bridging Project
  3. Expansion of the Friendship Line

The Restaurants Deliver: Home Meals for Seniors program will enlist community restaurants to prepare nutritious meals that will be delivered to older Californians. It is for seniors who are ineligible for other nutrition programs.

The Social Bridging Project well help seniors combat social isolation through direct, one-on-one communication. Callers will check on each senior’s well-being, provide information on local resources, and connect with them on a personal level.

The statewide expansion of the Friendship Line California will provide emotional support to lonely and isolated older Californians. Seniors can call 888-670-1360.
Regional Center of Orange County Shares COVID-19 Community Resources
The Regional Center of Orange County compiled an online list of COVID-19 resources for families through their Comfort Connection Family Resource Center. Please visit their website at http://www.rcocdd.com/frc/ccfrc/covid-19coronavirus-family-resources/ to access the information. They will regularly update their website with new tips, tools and ideas including:

  • How to talk about Coronavirus to kids
  • Staying home, staying safe
  • Activities
  • Food assistance
  • Financial resources
  • At-home supplies
  • In-home activities for young children
  • Educational resources for school-age children
  • Well-being and mental health resources
  • Deaf and hard of hearing parent tip sheets
  • Children with visual impairments

To access the list of resources visit their website at http://www.rcocdd.com/frc/ccfrc/covid-19coronavirus-family-resources/ . If there are specific needs not mentioned above, please email Comfort Connection Family Resource Center at ccfrc@rcocdd.com or call 714-558-5400.
COVID-19 Outreach Volunteer Initiative Announced
In response to COVID-19, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a volunteer initiative and a new website that aims to connect residents looking to give back with opportunities in their communities responding to COVID-19 and across the state.

Volunteer options include working at food banks, donating blood, delivering meals or joining the California Health Corps.

To sign-up as a volunteer, visit their website at
Home Exercises for Older Adults
Alzheimer’s Orange County compiled a series of simple easy-to-follow exercises designed specifically for older adults from the National Institute of Aging.

Almost anyone, at any age, can exercise safely and get meaningful benefits. Staying safe while exercising is important. Learn how to exercise safely by watching the video at https://youtu.be/4BVrQK1eZEk .

To access the exerces visit the Alzheimer's Orange County website at https://www.alzoc.org/exercises-for-older-adults/ .
Need Help Teaching from Home?
During this time of social distancing, those teaching from home may need some eLearning assistance. The Orange County Public Libraries put together a list to help. Visit their website at www.ocpl.org/elib/elearning for resources available for kids, teens and adults.
Orange County Business Council’s “TLC for OC”
The Orange County Business Council has launched “TLC for OC” a weekly e-newsletter published every Monday with a list of local resources. It has information on food resources, senior services, mental health services, childcare for first responders and essential workers, pets, and more. To access the latest newsletter visit https://myemail.constantcontact.com/TLC-for-OC--Updated-OCBC-s-Community-Resource-Guide.html?soid=1011205027523&aid=hN6RWQd_e24.
Certain Employees at Some Essential Businesses Must Wear Face Coverings 
The Press Release is located at https://mailchi.mp/ochca/facecoveringsbosregulation
How to Contact CalOptima During the COVID-19 Pandemic
CalOptima Customer Service remains ready to respond to member needs. Members can call Customer Service from the safety of their home, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have staff who speak their language.

  • Medi-Cal toll-free: 1-888-587-8088
  • OneCare Connect toll-free: 1-855-705-8823
  • OneCare toll-free: 1-877-412-2734
  • TTY users can call toll-free at 1-800-735-2929.
  • PACE at 1-714-468-1100 or toll-free at 1-855-785-2584
  • PACE TTY users can call toll-free at 1-714-468-1063.

We are continuing to serve our members through our Customer Service phone lines, as we adhere to guidelines to reduce the possibility of transmission. Our buildings are closed to visitors .

CalOptima
505 City Parkway West
Orange, CA 92868
 
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly ( PACE)
13300 Garden Grove Blvd.
Garden Grove, CA 92843
 
County Community Service Center
15496 Magnolia Street, Suite 111
Orange, CA 92610

For CalOptima specific updates on COVID-19, please visit our home page at www.caloptima.org .

Providers and other health care professionals with questions can contact the Provider Relations department by phone at 714-246-8600 or email at providerservices@caloptima.org . Providers can also visit the Providers section of our website at: www.caloptima.org/en/Features/COVID19/ProviderCommunication.aspx

 National information can be found on the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) website at  www.coronavirus.gov and local information can be found at the Orange County Health Care Agency (OC HCA) website at www.occovid19.ochealthinfo.com .