CALIFORNIA
Lost your job and health coverage because of coronavirus? Covered California is here to help
These are unprecedented and challenging times for the nation and the state of California, as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has altered the course of our lives for the foreseeable future.
As job loss claims hit record-highs, more and more Californians will be dealing with a loss of income and their health insurance coverage. Covered California and Medi-Cal are providing a path to coverage for those affected by this pandemic.
Covered California recently announced a special-enrollment period related to the crisis. Anyone who meets Covered California’s eligibility requirements, which are like those in place during the annual open-enrollment period, can sign up for coverage from now through June 30.
Those signing up through Covered California will have access to private health insurance plans with monthly premiums that may be lowered due to federal subsidies and new state financial help that became effective in 2020. Once a plan is chosen, coverage begins on the first of the following month — meaning individuals losing job-based coverage will not face a gap in coverage.
Also, consumers who sign up through CoveredCA.com may find out that they are eligible for no-cost or low-cost coverage through Medi-Cal, for which they can enroll in online. Those eligible for Medi-Cal can have coverage that is immediately effective, because California has put a 90-day hold on Medi-Cal renewal reviews, ensuring those already enrolled can continue their coverage and freeing up resources to quickly process the expected new enrollments.
All medically-necessary screening and testing for COVID-19 is free of charge. This includes telehealth or doctor’s office visits, as well as network emergency room or urgent care visits, when necessary for the purpose of screening and testing for COVID-19. In addition, Medi-Cal covers costs associated with COVID-19 in both its managed care plans and with fee for service providers. Covered California health plans will help cover costs that arise from any required treatment or hospitalization.
In addition, all health plans offered through Covered California and by Medi-Cal will provide telehealth options for enrollees, giving individuals the ability to connect with a health care professional by phone or video without having to personally visit a doctor’s office or hospital.
“A core part of our mission is improving access to high-quality health care, and that has never been more important than it is right now in California,” Lee said. “Covered California will help you find a path to the coverage you need for you and your family.”
Consumers can easily find out if they are eligible Medi-Cal or other forms of financial help and see which plans are available in their area by using the CoveredCA.Com Shop and Compare Tool and entering their ZIP code, household income and the ages of those who need coverage.
To enroll in Covered California or Medi-Cal health plans:
– Visit www.CoveredCA.com.
– Get free and confidential assistance over the phone, in a variety of languages, from a certified enroller.
– Have a certified enroller call you and help you for free.
– Call Covered California at (800) 300-1506.
—Submitted
CLEARLAKE
U.S. Cellular’s ‘Community Connections’ program supports young people in Clearlake
For the sixth year in a row, youth-focused organizations in Clearlake can earn up to $1,000 through U.S. Cellular’s Community Connections program. Whether it’s a Little League baseball team, high school debate team, marching band, youth cheer squad or a variety of other groups, organizers can sign their group up at uscellular.com/communityconnections to start earning sponsorship support without the need to sell candy bars, wash cars or sell coupon books.
Once registered, local non-profit academic and athletic groups representing youth up to 12th grade have 14 days to rally their friends, families and supporters to complete online activities that include taking short surveys, watching videos or following U.S. Cellular on its social channels. Each completed activity earns money that goes directly to the organization – up to $1,000 – and the website makes it easy to spread the word on social media.
“Six years ago, we decided that in addition to sponsoring college and professional sports teams across the country, we wanted to support youth programs that provide kids here in Clearlake with fun and meaningful experiences every day,” said Erryn Andersen, director of sales in the NW at U.S. Cellular. “We know there are several groups in need of financial support, and by investing in them we can help ensure that all kids get a fair shot to achieve their goals.”
Since launching the program in 2015, U.S. Cellular has awarded $1.4 million to nearly 3,000 groups nationwide. For more information and to view the official rules, please visit uscellular.com/communityconnections.
—Submitted
ST HELENA
Thompson to Hold Facebook Live Town Hall on Coronavirus
On Thursday, April 2, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) will hold a Facebook Live Town Hall from 7 pm – 8 pm PT. Thompson will answer questions on what Congress is doing to respond to the fallout from Coronavirus submitted on Facebook, by mail and over the phone from constituents. All constituents of California’s Fifth Congressional District and members of the press are invited to join. Details are below:
WHAT: Facebook Live Town Hall on Coronavirus
WHEN: Thursday, April 2, 2020 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. PT
WHERE: https://www.facebook.com/RepMikeThompson/
—Submitted
