COVID-19

What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) is just one of a large family of coronaviruses. Most members of this family cause mild cough and cold symptoms. But as we have seen, it can also cause serious illness and even death, particularly in some groups such as people with underlying heart disease, kidney disease, obesity and problems with their immune system. Older age (50 and above) can also make you more vulnerable. Please remember that if you are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated you are at higher risk regardless of age.

The COVID-19 virus is still circulating and causing illness in our communities. Fortunately, we now have both vaccinations and treatments that can help prevent serious illness, hospitalizations and death from this infection. For those 12 years and older, treatment is free and widely available with a prescription. It is important to reach out to your health care provider about treatment even if your symptoms are mild. Do not delay. Early treatment is the most effective treatment. Please check this page regularly for updated information.

COVID-19 Symptoms

Symptoms typically start within 2-14 days after exposure to the virus, can be mild or severe, and may include:

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

How do I get tested for COVID-19?

Use an at-home test kit. Partnership members can get up to 8 over-the-counter COVID-19 rapid antigen test at no cost from pharmacies that accept Medi-Cal. Click here for more information.
Call your health care provider office or urgent care
Call Partnership for help in finding testing. Partnership's Member Services Department is available Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. You can call us at (800) 863-4155.
Call Partnership's Advice Nurse Line 7 days a week, 24 hours a day at (866) 778-8873

What do I do if I test positive?

Act quickly. COVID-19 medications work best when started within the first 5-7 days of symptoms. Medications to treat COVID-19 are free, widely available, and effective for stopping COVID-19 illness from getting serious.

Everyone 12 years and older who has symptoms and tests positive for COVID-19 should speak with a health care provider about treatment. This is particularly important for people age 50 and older and those in other high risk or very high risk groups.

If you do not have a health care provider or are unable to reach them, here are some options:

Call your pharmacy. Some pharmacies may be able to give you a prescription.
Call the statewide COVID-19 hotline at (833) 422-4255 for assistance
Visit Sesame Care on line or call (833) 686-5051 to make a free phone or video appointment through California's COVID-19 telehealth service. https://sesamecare.com/covid. Services are expected to continue through February 2024.
Call Partnership's Advice Nurse Line 7 days a week, 24 hours a day at (866) 778-8873

Why should I get treatment?

Treatments have been shown to be highly effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.
COVID-19 treatment may decrease the risk of developing long COVID symptoms
COVID-19 treatments may help you clear the infection and test negative sooner.

Important information

During the time COVID has been circulating, we have learned a lot about how it spreads, how it causes infection, what the infections can do, and most importantly, how to help prevent and treat the infection.

The California Department of Public Health has an excellent information page about all things COVID. Please read up to help keep you, your family and your community safe.

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx (English)

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/CDPHespanol.aspx (Spanish)

Do You Pay a Premium for Medi-Cal? COVID-19 Relief May Be Available: If you pay a monthly premium and are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, you can receive temporary assistance (stopping your monthly premium payment or receiving credit). Read More

Testing and Treatment

For more information about testing:

https://covid19.ca.gov/get-tested/#how-to-get-tested

COVID-19 Treatments Questions & Answers

For more information about treatment:
https://covid19.ca.gov/treatment/

Note that Medi-Cal RX can mail order prescriptions. Because COVID-19 treatment needs to start quickly in order to be effective, mail ordering medication may not be an option. However, some pharmacies will do 1-2 day deliveries. Talk with your provider about whether this option is right for you.

Treatment for high-risk groups:

Some groups are at higher risk of getting severe COVID-19 infections and are recommended to seek treatment when they become infected. Link to these groups are listed below. If you are in one of these groups, talk with your healthcare provider about a COVID-19 plan.

If you are having trouble getting the information you need, reach out to your health care provider, Partnership or your local health department.

Partnership’s Member Services Department is available Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. You can call us at 800 863-4155.

Vaccination and Resources

COVID-19 Vaccine

Visit COVID19.ca.gov for general vaccine information, including frequently asked questions, and please talk to your doctor with any additional questions.

Community Public Health Resources