CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 UPDATES FOR MEMBERS

Please note: News and information about COVID-19 emerges rapidly and the situation may change. Please contact your local public health agency or visit the Centers for Disease Control website for the latest information and instructions.

How to avoid vaccine fraud schemes?

It’s important to be aware of potential schemes involving COVID-19 vaccines. Fraudsters are targeting beneficiaries in a number of ways. Your personal information collected could then be used to fraudulently bill Federal health care programs and the unapproved vaccines may cause you harm. Potential COVID-19 vaccine schemes to look out for are listed below:

• Advertisements or offers for early access to a vaccine upon payment of a deposit or fee
• Requests asking for out of pocket payment or offering a COVID-19 vaccine waiting list
• Offers to undergo additional medical testing or procedures when obtaining a vaccine
• Marketers offering to sell and/or ship doses of a vaccine, domestically or internationally, in exchange for payment of a deposit or fee
• Unsolicited emails, telephone calls, or personal contact from someone claiming to be from a medical office, insurance company, or COVID-19 vaccine center requesting personal and/or medical information to determine recipients’ eligibility to participate in clinical vaccine trials or obtain the vaccine
• Claims of FDA approval for a vaccine that cannot be verified
• Advertisements for vaccines though social media platforms, email, telephone calls, online, or from unsolicited/unknown sources
• Individuals contacting in person, by phone, or by email to tell you the government or government officials require you to receive a COVID-19 vaccine

If you believe you have been targeted, please contact Central Health Medicare Plan’s Compliance Department via email at compliance@centralhealthplan.com or by telephone at (626) 388-2392. You may also mail us at PO Box 14244, Orange, CA 92863.

How can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Each county has a different distribution plan for the COVID-19 vaccine. Currently supplies are limited and typically only available by appointment. If you are not able to get an appointment immediately, please check back again. If you need assistance, please contact Member Services at 1-866-314-2427 (TTY: 711), 7 days a week from 8:00am to 8:00pm (PT).

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?

Yes. COVID-19 vaccines were tested in large clinical trials and reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make sure they meet safety guidelines. If you have had serious allergic reactions to vaccines in the past or if have other health concerns, talk to your primary care provider before obtaining the vaccine.

Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has prioritized vaccine distribution to seniors because older adults are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19. If you have concerns, talk to your primary care before obtaining the vaccine.

Do I need to pay to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

No. There is no cost to obtain the vaccine for Central Health Medicare Plan members. The cost of the vaccine is paid for by the federal government and the administration fee is paid for by Medicare. You should never be asked to pay any amount out-of-pocket to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine.

Are there side effects to the COVID-19 vaccine?

Most people do not have serious problems after being vaccinated. Your arm may be sore, red, or warm to the touch. These symptoms usually go away in a few days. Some people report feeling tired or getting a headache or fever when getting a vaccine. These side effects are normal and are a sign that your immune system is working and building up protection to disease. When you receive the vaccine, your provider will provide detailed information about what to expect.

Should I still get the flu shot?

Yes. The virus that causes flu is different from the virus that causes COVID-19. It is still important to get the flu shot to help prevent or lessen the severity of flu. Generally, you should wait at least 14 days in between getting the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your primary care provider or pharmacist about when to schedule your shots.

In case of emergency

• If you experience a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
• For non-emergency care, contact your primary care provider (PCP).
• If you cannot reach your primary care provider, please contact your medical group at the phone number printed on your membership ID Card, or call Member Services at 1-866-314-2427 (TTY: 711), 7 days a week from 8:00am to 8:00pm (PT).

Symptoms of COVID-19

• Patients with COVID-19 may experience fever, cough, shortness of breath, and other flu-like symptoms
• If you think you might have COVID-19, call your primary care provider to discuss your symptoms. Your primary care provider can advise whether you should stay home or seek further testing/treatment. Your provider may be able to consult with you through audio/visual technology (such as video conferencing).
• There is no cost-sharing (co-pay, coinsurance, or deductible) for medically necessary COVID-19 screening and testing that has been ordered by a doctor.

How to Protect Yourself

• Stay at home until further guidance is issued; avoid all non-essential travel
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, and use alcohol-based (60%+) hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available
• Avoid touching your face (particularly your eyes, nose, or mouth)
• Clean and disinfect commonly touched areas like door handles and countertops
• Maintain a social distance of 6ft from others whenever possible, avoid people who are sick or have respiratory symptoms, and avoid crowds

Staying at Home

• Public health officials have ordered all California residents to stay at home in self-isolation at this time, with limited exceptions for essential activities
• Check in with friends, family, and caregivers frequently via phone or web; make sure to keep them updated on your health status and let them know if you are experiencing any symptoms or if you need assistance to obtain needed supplies
• Continue to take your prescription medications according to your doctor’s instructions; contact your pharmacy and/or your prescriber if you need a refill
• Continue to practice healthy eating and exercise habits while you are at home because it is important for you to remain physically active

Getting Medical Care and Prescription Drugs

Please note: The Governor of California has declared a state of emergency related to COVID-19. While the state of emergency is in effect, Central Health Medicare Plan allows additional flexibility so that members can obtain needed care.

• If you are unable to access your normal provider/pharmacy, you may receive medically necessary services from any available Medicare-certified provider/pharmacy or facility and you will pay the same cost-sharing as you would have paid in-network
• To request a long term supply of Part D prescription drugs (excluding Tier 5), contact MedImpact Direct at 1-855-873-8739 (TTY: 711)
• The Plan will waive “early refill” limits on Part D prescription drugs and will allow you to obtain the maximum extended day supply, if available at the time of refill