The Delta variant is the dominant version of the COVID-19 virus that is now seen in the United States. The change in its virus structure makes it easier to infect people compared to other variants. Download the Delta variant fact sheet, other vaccine tools and resources from the OC Health Care Agency's Education Toolkit webpage. The toolkit has ready-to-use materials that can be shared in the community and on social media.

CalOptima is working with community partners to host mobile back-to-school vaccination events for students and their families. All students, including CalOptima members, can schedule an appointment to catch up on vaccinations before the school year begins and/or as students resume in-person instruction. Routine and COVID-19 vaccines will be available.

For more information about the back-to-school vaccination events in the community, please visit www.caloptima.org/en/Features/BacktoSchool.aspx.

The Community Alliances Forum focusing on Community Efforts to Strengthen Health Equity in Orange County will take place on Tuesday, September 14 from 9–11 a.m.

Learn about:

Please share this event with colleagues you feel would benefit from the information. Click here to register.

A new report released by the Department of Health Care Services and the California Surgeon General ranks CalOptima high among California health plans for the number of ACE screenings delivered in the first nine months of 2020. CalOptima was the top plan for screenings of members ages 0 to 20, at 11.4% of the eligible population. CalOptima also screened adults 21 to 64 at a rate higher than the statewide average.

Routine and universal ACE screenings promote more effective and equitable health care by yielding data that can be used for targeted clinical interventions, as well as to foster compassion, patience and opportunities for relations healing. ACE screenings are critically important to help prevent negative health outcomes in children and adolescents, age groups that are more vulnerable to the effects of an overactive stress response. With a particular focus on the youth population, CalOptima has done notable promotion and education on how ACE screenings can help identify and address issues that contribute to poor health.

To view the report’s “ACE Screenings by Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan Network” fact sheet, click here.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced an update to the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) to more accurately reflect the cost of groceries for a healthy budget-conscious diet. The TFP is used to set the amount of food assistance that people participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) receive. Beginning October 1, the maximum SNAP benefit per person will increase by over $36 per month or $1.19 per day. Although modest, this 21% increase will lift 2.4 million SNAP participants, including millions of older adults, out of poverty. Click here for more information.

Smile, California is hosting an English language Facebook Live presentation for Medi-Cal members on September 15, 2021, at 1 p.m. The Healthy Smiles, Bright Future presentation will inform viewers about the important role of oral health and how to maintain good dental habits. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions about Medi-Cal dental benefits. Participants who stay for the entire presentation will be entered in an opportunity drawing for a $50 gift card.

CalOptima Customer Service remains ready to respond to member needs, as we adhere to guidelines to reduce the possibility of COVID-19 transmission. Our building is closed to visitors. Members can call Customer Service from the safety of their home, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We have staff who speak their language. Members can also visit www.caloptima.org and access their member portal.