California updates mask, COVID vaccine, Medi-Cal rules affecting Stanislaus County. What to know
The California Department of Public Health announced a number of updates to pandemic health orders regarding masks, vaccination and isolation.
The updated COVID-19 polices will go into effect in the coming weeks, and Stanislaus County residents also should be aware of rules governing the cost of COVID testing and vaccinations and changes for people covered by Medi-Cal during the pandemic.
Gov. Gavin Newsom concluded his COVID-19 state of emergency on Feb. 28, signaling a symbolic end to orders that protected people against the disease.
As the pandemic continues, the state health department still has COVID-19 guidance in place. Here are some changes announced Friday.
- Starting April 3, masks won’t be required in physician offices and other health care settings, long-term care facilities, correctional centers and homeless shelters. Health care facilities are given a month to design and implement plans to protect patients against seasonal viruses. The California Department of Public Health still has other guidance for masks.
- April 3 also marks the end of the state order requiring vaccination of health care workers. Federal rules still will ensure most health care workers remain vaccinated against COVID-19.
- On March 13, the state is reducing the isolation period for a person testing positive for COVID-19. People may end isolation after five days if they feel well, their symptoms are improving and they don’t have a fever for 24 hours. The amended guidelines place less emphasis on testing negative before ending isolation.
- On April 3, the state will rescind a requirement that hospitals statewide accept patient transfers from other medical centers with limited intensive care unit capacity. COVID-19 vaccinations and treatments served to reduce pressure on ICUs during the more recent surges, the state said.
Vaccines and testing
COVID-19 vaccines, testing and treatment such as Paxlovid are available from health care providers, some pharmacies such as CVS and other sites in local communities. You can still use the state’s MyTurn program online to find places offering vaccinations or boosters and those other services.
People without insurance, or those who can’t get timely treatment, may call 833-686-5051 for assistance or visit sesamecare.com/covidca.
Coverage for COVID services
California is adding six months to a federal rule that health insurance plans cover COVID-19 testing, vaccinations and treatment from a health care provider, with no cost-sharing for the patient. The requirement applies whether it’s in-network or out-of-network service. The federal requirement ends May 11, but California is extending the requirement to Nov. 11.
Renewing Medi-Cal coverage
Since March 2020, the state has followed a federal mandate to cover anyone eligible for Medi-Cal under a “continuous coverage requirement”, regardless of whether their income changed, so that low-income parents and children, older people, working-age adults and the disabled had access to health care during the pandemic.
The California Health & Human Services Agency says the “continuous coverage requirement” is scheduled to end March 31.
That means a renewal process for Medi-Cal recipients goes back into effect April 1. The state will help affected people navigate the renewal process over a 14-month period and has launched a “Keep Your Coverage” outreach campaign. Depending on their circumstances, families and individuals may be able to continue with Medi-Cal coverage, enroll in Covered California or obtain coverage from their employer.
This story was originally published March 6, 2023 at 5:30 AM.
