August 19, 2020
"What You Feel Is Real" Campaign
The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has a new "what you feel is real" campaign to encourage Orange County residents impacted by COVID-19 to care for their mental health by reaching out and seeking support. It directs residents to the County of Orange’s free resources at www.ocgov.com/covid and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Warmline at 877-910-9276 for immediate mental health support.
 
The "What you feel is real" campaign is focused on helping Orange County residents cope with the stresses and disruptions they face because of COVID-19. With direct links and phone numbers for support, the campaign empowers people to take the next step in managing their own mental health care.
Electronic community outreach toolkits are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, Arabic and Farsi here.
Schools Receive Critical Funds for Distance Learning
Recently, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that every eligible local educational agency in California has applied for and is receiving a portion of the $5.3 billion in learning loss mitigation funds through the state budget he signed in June. He signed an executive order directing state agencies across government to bridge the digital divide, to build on the state’s efforts to provide computing devices and hotspots to students statewide.

In July, the governor outlined the state’s pandemic plan for schools. It prioritized the safety of students and staff while providing quality instruction, whether in-person or through distance learning. Over 90% of students will begin the year with distance learning.

New statewide requirements enacted to ensure quality instruction through distance learning include:
  • Access to devices and connectivity for all kids​
  • Daily live interaction with teachers and other students​
  • Challenging assignments equivalent to in-person classes​
  • Adapted lessons for English-language learners and special education students
AT&T Expands Home Internet Access Program
AT&T expands home internet Access program to families in the National School Lunch Program and/or the Head Start program and will waive all home internet data overage fees until September 30, 2020. In addition, California schools may qualify for a free unlimited data plan secured with content filtering. For offer details, schools can contact an AT&T Account Manager.
E-Learning Resources from
Orange County Public Libraries
Orange County Public Libraries has dozens of e-learning resources to meet the needs of those who are learning and/or teaching from home. Some of the resources included are virtual tours of Mars, American Sign Language literacy activities, coding classes and much more.

Click here to access more information. Some of these resources require a library card.
Building Resilient Families Webinar
UCI Health: Tips to Navigate COVID-19 in Daily Life
UCI Health shares tips on how to manage shopping, public transportation, and recreational sports, basic safety rules and risk estimates for a range of activities. To lower your risk of contracting COVID-19, it reinforces national guidelines to wear a face covering and use hand sanitizer that is at least 70% alcohol. UCI Health also encourages people to use tissues to avoid contact with high-touch surfaces.
Virtual Resource Fair for People with
Medicare and Medi-Cal
County of Orange Small Business Relief
Businesses and non-profits located within Orange County’s District 4 cities of Anaheim (portions of), Fullerton, and La Habra that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for a grant of up to $10,000 from the county. Grants may be used for payroll, PPE, capital, equipment and operating expenses.

Businesses applying for the grant program must meet certain eligibility criteria. Applications are accepted on a first come, first funded basis. The program will permanently close on Saturday, August 22 at 5 p.m., or when each city allocation is exhausted, whichever occurs first. Applicants/businesses awarded prior city or county grants under Phase 1 of this specific grant program are not eligible to apply again.

For more details, click here.
Free Software for Businesses to Create Social Distancing Floor Plans
CalOptima Regulatory Alert
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 is the recent COVID-19 Regulatory Highlight:

  • CDPH HCF Conference Call Notification — Weekly COVID-19 Update Call Notes (posted 8/12/20)
  • CDPH LHD Conference Call Notification — Weekly COVID-19 Update Call Notes (posted 8/11/20)


For Regulatory highlights prior to August 11, 2020, please visit the Providers section of our website at: www.caloptima.org/en/Features/COVID-19/ProviderCommunication.aspx.

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.
CalOptima Provider Alert
Below is the recent Provider Alert:

  • Orange County COVID-19 Testing Sites Available to CCN Providers (posted 8/6/20)

For Provider updates prior to August 6, 2020, please visit the Providers section of our website at:  www.caloptima.org/en/Features/COVID-19/ProviderCommunication.aspx
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 711
  • 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
Westminster, CA 92610

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

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.
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