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Updates and
Announcements
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Correction: On March 31 in a story about the CalOptima Member Identification Card, our flyer erroneously reported that the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will directly cover and manage the pharmacy benefit beginning no sooner than April 1. DHCS has postponed this transition and has not yet determined a new launch date. CalOptima regrets the error.
For information about how to request a Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Card (BIC), click here.
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State Expands Vaccine Eligibility |
With supply of vaccines expected to significantly increase in the coming weeks, the state is expanding vaccine eligibility to more Californians. Starting April 1, individuals aged 50+ will be eligible to make an appointment, and beginning on April 15, individuals aged 16+ will be eligible to make an appointment to be vaccinated.
Based on current estimates, the state expects to deliver four million vaccines each week by the end of April.
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Orange County Progresses from Red Tier to Orange Tier |
Effective Wednesday, March 31, Orange County (OC) will move into the Orange Tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy after having successfully achieved Orange Tier metrics for two weeks. As a result, many local businesses and activities in OC will either be allowed to expand capacity or resume operations.
Click here to access the county's press release. |
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Registration and Scheduling Vaccine Appointments |
Everyone in Orange County who has not received a vaccination is encouraged to register at www.Othena.com to be placed in the virtual waiting room to be notified when it is their turn.
The County Super PODs and mobile clinics are not the only options to receive a vaccination. View other vaccine distribution channels, including hospitals, pharmacies and health clinics, at www.COVIDVaccineFacts.com.
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IRS Extends Tax Day
The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021. The State of California Franchise Tax Board has also extended the date to file and pay income taxes to May 17, 2021. |
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Economic Impact Payments
The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department continues to send the third round of Economic Impact Payments.
Check the Get My Payment tool to see if your payment has been scheduled. |
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FEMA to Provide COVID-19 Funeral Assistance |
Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, beginning in April, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, click here. |
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Holiday Tips
Keep gatherings small and outside to reduce risk. Remember to wear a mask, turn on CA Notify, wash your hands, get tested and, when it’s your turn — get vaccinated. Click here to access the CDC holiday tips. |
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Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services |
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is committed to improving cultural competence and providing everyone equal access to quality care.
Providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) in health and health care is one way to improve the quality of services provided to all individuals, which will ultimately help reduce health disparities and achieve health equity. CLAS is about respect and responsiveness: respect the whole individual and respond to the individual’s health needs and preferences.
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Suicide Prevention 101 for Parents: Recognizing Signs and What to Do
This webinar gives parents information and resources for suicide prevention. Learn about warning signs, how to talk to your child and what actions to take. The webinar is on Wednesday, April 7, from 5–6 p.m. You can register here. |
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OC Together Dialogue on Race Relations
On Tuesday, April 27, from 5–7 p.m., please join OC Together Dialogue on Race Relations for honest, powerful and sometimes difficult conversations on race relations, equity and justice. Dialogues are open to anyone in Orange County seeking to understand race relations through active listening and learning. Explore, listen and learn from each other through respectful dialogue.
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CalOptima Regulatory Alerts |
Due to the rapidly changing situation surrounding COVID-19, CalOptima posts a roundup of federal/state rules, guidance and news related to COVID-19 and updates it frequently.
Recent COVID-19 Regulatory Highlights:
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CDPH Health Alert: Concerns Regarding the Use of Bamlanivimab Monotherapy in the Setting of SARS-CoV2 Variants (posted 3/22/21)
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CMS Webinar — Strategies for Health Plans to Support Access to COVID-19 Vaccines for Vulnerable Populations (posted 3/19/21)
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CDPH SNF Conference Call Notification Weekly COVID-19 Update Call Notes (posted 3/19/21)
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CDPH HCF Conference Call Notification Weekly COVID-19 Update Call Notes (posted 3/18/21)
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CDPH Opportunities to Maximize COVID-19 Vaccinations — Blog (posted 3/18/21)
Providers and other health care professionals with questions can contact the Provider Relations department at 714-246-8600 or providerservices@caloptima.org. |
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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. |
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CalOptima, A Public Agency www.caloptima.org
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