
COVID-19 testing is free when medically necessary. Yes! Under the federal CARES Act law, all health insurance plans in California are required to cover coronavirus (COVID-19) testing (both diagnostic and antibody tests), screening, and vaccine administration. I have private insurance Does my insurance have to cover coronavirus tests or treatments? That will cover screening, testing, treatment ( including oral antivirals), and vaccines for COVID-19 at no cost to you. You should call your local hospital or clinic and ask if they can enroll you in Medi-Cal’s special COVID-19 coverage program. Need transportation to get your vaccine? Or want a vaccine at your home? Call 1-83.Īdditional information is available at the California Department of Public Health, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Your local pharmacy or Kaiser Permanente (they have vaccines for non-members).Your primary care provider (doctor) or health plan (if you have one).Your local public health department (search by county here).(the federal government’s searchable database).MyTurn (the state of California’s vaccine appointment system) or call them at 1-83.Here are several ways you can find a vaccine: When can you get a vaccine? Now everybody age 6 months and over is eligible. California also convened top scientists who recommended their use after a second review. They went through a rigorous Federal Drug Administration approval process. The three vaccines that are currently available in California are safe. This means that you may have to show your benefits identification card or BIC (not your health plan card) to access the vaccine. For all Medi-Cal beneficiaries, the state (and not your health plan) will pay for the vaccine. If you have a Medi-Cal health plan, your plan must help you find a place to get a vaccine, pay for the vaccine administration with no cost to you, and provide transportation to and from both vaccine doses if you require it. This includes people with full-scope Medi-Cal, and people enrolled in the COVID-19 Uninsured Group Program.

Medi-Cal also covers the vaccine, including booster shots, for free. You have the right to get your vaccine without discrimination based on your race or national origin. (Check out this flyer in English and Spanish). Both the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the federal Office of Inspector General prohibit charging patients for vaccinations, and requires vaccinating people without insurance. Plans must cover vaccine administration from both in-network and out-of-network providers. Plans cannot charge members any copayments or cost-sharing. Federal law requires all health plans to cover the administration of approved coronavirus vaccines. You should get the vaccine, including booster shots, for free. Vaccine information from covid19.ca.gov/vaccines/.

How can I access medical care during the pandemic?.What if I get health care from a county program like CMSP, Path to Health, or My Health LA?.How can I get or keep Covered California or other insurance (COBRA)?.

How can I get or keep Medi-Cal during the pandemic?.What about nursing homes and long-term care?.Will getting coronavirus testing, treatment or vaccines hurt my immigration status?.Does Medicare cover coronavirus testing, treatments, and vaccines?.Does Medi-Cal have to cover the cost of coronavirus tests or treatments? Does my insurance have to cover the cost of coronavirus tests or treatments? How do I get the COVID-19 vaccine? Will I have to pay?.Call our toll-free hotline at 888‑804‑3536 (TTY 877‑735‑2929) for a free, confidential consultation. Please read our Q&A below for details about your rights. The Health Consumer Alliance can help you access health care during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
