CalOptima Community Announcement

Updates and

Announcements

April 7, 2021

In This Issue

COVID-19 Updates

County PODs Schedule

The County opened a vaccine Super POD at the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa on March 31 and is vaccinating initially 2,000 people per day. The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) is allocating COVID-19 vaccines as they become available to ensure equitable distribution. To access the updated schedule for the five Orange County COVID-19 Vaccine PODs schedule, click here.

Vaccine Eligibility Update

In an attempt to vaccinate with equity, individuals age 16 and over in the 92701, 92703, 92805, 92844 zip codes are eligible to receive the vaccine. Vaccination for those 16 and older with certain medical conditions is open throughout the county.

Learn more about who qualifies to get a vaccine.

OC Bus Offers Service to County Vaccination Sites

OC Bus is making it easy for people who are signed up to receive a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine to reach sites providing vaccinations safely and affordably. OC Bus has options for travel directly to or near the county’s POD vaccination sites in Anaheim, Santa Ana and Aliso Viejo. Click here to read more.

For a map of vaccine sites served by OC Bus, click here.

CDC Issues New Travel Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People

The CDC on Friday issued new guidance for domestic travel, saying people who are fully immunized against COVID-19 can travel within the United States and do not need to get tested or quarantine. But federal health officials have advised that travelers must continue to adhere to all state and local requirements and recommendations following health precautions like mask wearing, maintaining phsyical distancing and avoiding large crowds.

Additional information on the latest travel guidance, including guidance for international travel, can be found on the CDC website.

COVID-19 Tip Sheets

The National Institutes of Health’s Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL) Against COVID-19 Disparities has developed tip sheets in English and Spanish to help address misinformation, highlight community benefits of COVID-19 research, outline the importance of community health workers and advise on building community trust in COVID-19 resources. Reference the tip sheets to help build your community’s approach.

Avoid COVID-19 Related Fraud and Scams

Scammers are using a new trick to steal money and personal information by sending bogus COVID vaccine survey emails and texts.

Click here to learn more about the scams and to learn how to protect yourself.

Community News

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Older Adults Home Modification Grant Program

HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes has announced $30 million in grant funds and training resources to non-federal entities to establish the Older Adults Home Modification Grant Program. The grant program will assist experienced nonprofits, state and local governments, and public housing authorities in programs that make home modifications and limited repairs to meet the needs of low-income older adult homeowners.

Application deadline is May 4, 2021.

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 Provider Alert

State Expands Vaccine Eligibility to Californians Based on Expected Supply Increases (posted 3/30/21)

Recent COVID-19 Regulatory Highlights:

CDPH LHD Conference Call Notification Weekly COVID-19 Update Call Notes (posted 3/29/21)
CDPH SNF Conference Call Notification Weekly COVID-19 Update Call Notes (posted 3/29/21)
DHCS Adolescent Wellness Visits QI Postcard (posted 3/26/21)
CDPH HCF Conference Call Notification Weekly COVID-19 Update Call Notes (posted 3/23/21)

Providers and other health care professionals with questions can contact the Provider Relations department at 714-246-8600 or providerservices@caloptima.org.

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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