Questions about Coronavirus

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CareOregon Advantage: Here for you through COVID-19 and beyond

CareOregon Advantage knows that you, our members, have many questions about COVID-19. We want to help you understand how to take precautions and how to access your benefits during this time. Health care providers are working hard to continue seeing patients, and your health is important to them.

Keep getting the care you need

Clinics are working hard to get you the care you need. Your primary care provider and the clinical teams in our network want to make sure you have access to physical, dental and mental health care and substance use treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinics are providing options including:

Telephone and video appointments for new clients and ongoing services.
In-person appointments, taking precautions to keep you and clinic staff safe.

Call your primary care clinic to discuss your options. They will tell you what services are available, how you can see your provider and the best way to get care.
Preventive and chronic care is especially important, and clinics are prepared to serve you. Contact your clinic to determine the best way to get care.

Immunizations are vital, especially for kids under 2.
Chronic condition care is more important than ever. Call your provider to manage your diabetes, asthma, substance use treatment or other conditions.

For mental health and substance use treatment services, contact your clinic directly about how to get your needed supports. Many providers are holding appointments by phone or video, though some in-person visits are still available for those who need them.
We know this is a difficult time. You are not alone. There are mental health and substance use treatment services available to you. Call us at 888-712-3258 to learn more.
Dental offices are open for urgent services and are working on plans to provide safe, regular dental care. Contact your dental clinic directly to find out what’s available.
Elective procedures are starting to resume. Authorizations for these procedures have been extended until January 1, 2021.
You still have access to our network. None of your benefits have changed, and we are still here to ensure that your physical, dental and mental health care needs are met.

Here are some important things to know about COVID-19:

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, call your primary care provider. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Your provider can advise you on the best next steps, including how to get tested. For more information, click here.
Who can get tested? Currently, providers are working with public health officials to determine whether or not people need to be tested, depending on the situation and the symptoms present. For more information, click here.
Whenever possible, stay at home and practice social distancing. This is the most effective way to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The Oregon Health Plan has created a Facebook page with helpful COVID-19 information in Spanish. Click here to see the page.
Pandemic EBT: Oregon is giving grocery money to families while school is closed. All families who are eligible for free or reduced price school meals will soon get funds on an Oregon Trail EBT card. Immigration status does not matter for Pandemic EBT. If you already get SNAP or free school meals, the benefit will automatically be added to your EBT card. Make sure your school has your current mailing address. If you weren’t getting help before the pandemic, apply online for free school meals at ode.state.or.us/apps/frlapp. Apply for SNAP at govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits. If you qualify for either program, you’ll also get Pandemic EBT.
If your provider orders it, testing — including testing for the COVID-19 virus and antibody testing — is a fully covered service.
Watch for scams: Unfortunately, some people will try to take advantage of the worry around COVID-19. Please be on the lookout for:
- Ads for vaccines or medications that promise to heal COVID-19 or keep it away.
- Emails that seem to be about COVID-19 that will add a virus to your computer from a link or attachment.
- Phone calls asking for personal information.
- People coming door to door offering testing or prescriptions.
If someone calls claiming to be from CareOregon and you’re not sure, hang up and call our Customer Service department. If we called you, we will have a record of the call. For more information about possible scams during this time, click here.

Pharmacy updates:

Extra medication: If you need extra medication, you can still get it. Medicare members can already fill for 90 days at a time. You can now fill your prescription early if you need to. Please call your pharmacy if you need to refill your medications.
Mail order: If you would like to fill your medication using a mail-order pharmacy, please call the pharmacy directly. Our directory of mail-order pharmacies is available here, or you can contact Pharmacy Customer Service. You can also call your local pharmacy, as they may offer home delivery service.
Authorizations: If you have an approved pre-authorization that expires before the end of the year, we are extending the expiration date by six months. You do not need to do anything — this will happen automatically for you if you qualify.

Interpretation access:

If you speak a language other than English, we can help you get access to an interpreter. For phone interpretation, call our Customer Service at 888-712-3258 and we can help connect you to an interpreter.

Transportation options:

Some rides to appointments are still available. Due to COVID-19, ride availability may be limited. Please call the transportation provider in your area to ask about service availability:
• Ride to Care: 855-321-4899
• TransLink: 888-518-8160
• NW Rides: 888-793-0439

Learn what benefits you can access to stay healthy at home.

Click here to learn more.

For helpful coronavirus facts from the Oregon Health Authority, click on your choice of language:

Continue reading to find answers to frequently asked questions about the coronavirus.

Click here to download this FAQ as a PDF

CareOregon Advantage: Here for you through COVID-19 and beyond

Keep getting the care you need

Your primary care provider and the clinical teams in our network want to make sure you have access to physical, dental and mental health care and substance use treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinics are providing options including:Telephone and video appointments for new clients and ongoing services.
Clinics are working hard to get you the care you need. Your primary care provider and the clinical teams in our network want to make sure you have access to physical, dental and mental health care and substance use treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinics are providing options including:

Telephone and video appointments for new clients and ongoing services.
In-person appointments, taking precautions to keep you and clinic staff safe.

Call your primary care clinic to discuss your options. They will tell you what services are available, how you can see your provider and the best way to get care.
Preventive and chronic care is especially important, and clinics are prepared to serve you. Contact your clinic to determine the best way to get care.

Immunizations are vital, especially for kids under 2.
Chronic condition care is more important than ever. Call your provider to manage your diabetes, asthma, substance use treatment or other conditions.

For mental health and substance use treatment services, contact your clinic directly about how to get your needed supports. Many providers are holding appointments by phone or video, though some in-person visits are still available for those who need them.
We know this is a difficult time. You are not alone. There are mental health and substance use treatment services available to you. Call us at 888-712-3258 to learn more.
Dental offices are open for urgent services and are working on plans to provide safe, regular dental care. Contact your dental clinic directly to find out what’s available.
Elective procedures are starting to resume. Authorizations for these procedures have been extended until January 1, 2021.
You still have access to our network. None of your benefits have changed, and we are still here to ensure that your physical, dental and mental health care needs are met.

Here are some important things to know about COVID-19:

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, call your primary care provider. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Your provider can advise you on the best next steps, including how to get tested. For more information, click here.
Who can get tested? Currently, providers are working with public health officials to determine whether or not people need to be tested, depending on the situation and the symptoms present. For more information, click here.
Whenever possible, stay at home and practice social distancing. This is the most effective way to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The Oregon Health Plan has created a Facebook page with helpful COVID-19 information in Spanish. Click here to see the page.

Pandemic EBT: Oregon is giving grocery money to families while school is closed. All families who are eligible for free or reduced price school meals will soon get funds on an Oregon Trail EBT card. Immigration status does not matter for Pandemic EBT. If you already get SNAP or free school meals, the benefit will automatically be added to your EBT card. Make sure your school has your current mailing address. If you weren’t getting help before the pandemic, apply online for free school meals at ode.state.or.us/apps/frlapp. Apply for SNAP at govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits. If you qualify for either program, you’ll also get Pandemic EBT.

If your provider orders it, testing — including testing for the COVID-19 virus and antibody testing — is a fully covered service.

Pharmacy updates:
- Extra medication: If you need extra medication, you can still get it. Medicare members can already fill for 90 days at a time. You can now fill your prescription early if you need to. Please call your pharmacy if you need to refill your medications.
- Mail order: If you would like to fill your medication using a mail-order pharmacy, please call the pharmacy directly. Our directory of mail-order pharmacies is available here, or you can contact Pharmacy Customer Service. You can also call your local pharmacy, as they may offer home delivery service.
- Authorizations: If you have an approved pre-authorization that expires before the end of the year, we are extending the expiration date by six months. You do not need to do anything — this will happen automatically for you if you qualify.
Interpretation access:
- If you speak a language other than English, we can help you get access to an interpreter. For phone interpretation, call our Customer Service at 888-712-3258 and we can help connect you to an interpreter.
Transportation options:
- Some rides to appointments are still available. Due to COVID-19, ride availability may be limited. Please call the transportation provider in your area to ask about service availability:
  • Ride to Care: 855-321-4899
  • TransLink: 888-518-8160
  • NW Rides: 888-793-0439
Learn what benefits you can access to stay healthy at home. Click here to learn more.

For helpful coronavirus facts from the Oregon Health Authority, click on your choice of language:

Continue reading to find answers to frequently asked questions about the coronavirus.

Click here to download this FAQ as a PDF

Member COVID-19 FAQ

Click on a question to expand the answer.

Q: What is the coronavirus?

A: The coronavirus is a virus strain that began spreading in people in December 2019. It is sometimes called COVID-19.
Q: What are the symptoms of the coronavirus?

A: Symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms can appear in as few as two or as many as 14 days after a person is exposed to the virus.
Q: What should I do if I have these symptoms?

A: Call your primary care provider and ask them the safest way to receive care. Stay home and avoid close contact with other people until you’ve had no symptoms for 24 hours. Experts think people are most contagious when symptoms are worse.

Please also let your provider know if you have traveled to an affected area within the last 14 days.
Q: How does testing work?

A: Currently, providers are working with public health officials to determine whether or not people need to be tested, depending on the situation and the symptoms present. If you do need to be tested, your provider can take the sample and send it to the Oregon State Public Health Lab for testing. You will be notified of the results when they’re available.
Q: Who is at risk of getting the coronavirus?

A: The current risk for most people is low. While there are some cases in the U.S., health officials are working to identify and evaluate suspected cases. The CDC says, “At this time most people in the United States have little immediate risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.”
Q: How can I prevent the coronavirus?
A: Steps you would normally take to prevent the flu and the common cold can also help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
- If you know someone is sick, avoid contact with them. The coronavirus can spread between people about six feet from each other.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve. Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Clean items in your home that are touched often. You can use wipes or sprays to disinfect.
- Wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds. Wash:
  - After going to the bathroom.
  - After coughing or sneezing.
  - Before eating.
  - Before touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  - Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap isn’t available.
Q: Do I need a facemask? Will CareOregon Advantage provide a facemask?

A: The CDC now recommends that people wear face coverings in settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain, like in grocery stores or pharmacies. If you have any symptoms of coronavirus or are in close contact with people who have symptoms, you should wear a facemask. The CDC has guidelines for homemade facemasks. If you need a professional-grade mask because you're sick or you're caring for someone who is sick, talk to your primary care provider.
Q: Can I get extra medicine if I can’t make it to the pharmacy?

A: If you get your prescription refilled, we will extend your prescription to 90 days' worth of medication. You can also refill your prescription early. CareOregon Advantage members also have access to mail order pharmacies — learn more here. If you have other questions or concerns about the medications you take, contact your prescribing provider or your pharmacist. They will help guide you on best next steps.

We are in close contact with the Oregon Health Authority and following CDC guidelines. Please check back on this page for the latest information.
Q: Are there medication treatments for the coronavirus that are covered?

A: According to the CDC, there is no specific treatment for the coronavirus. Please contact your primary care provider if you have symptoms and think you need to be tested. Your primary care provider is the first person you should call.
Q: Can CareOregon Advantage provide tissues, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes or other supplies?

A: If you believe you have a medical need for these supplies, contact your primary care provider. We do not stock supplies or maintain a surplus.

What should I do if I have more questions or want to learn more?

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the situation closely. You can learn more at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.

You can also call 211 or visit their website at https://www.211info.org/corona-virus for more general information.

OHA has posted some helpful fact sheets that can be found here:

COVID-19 fact sheet

Prevention fact sheet

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