Federal government no longer providing free COVID-19 tests by mail
September 2, 2022 – Effective September 2, 2022, the U.S. government will no longer provide free at-home COVID-19 tests by mail. Blue Shield members who need COVID-19 tests should visit the web page linked below to learn about the different ways they can access and get reimbursed for them.
Read about COVID-19 test reimbursement
COVID-19 DHCS All Plan Letter update – APL 22-004 and APL 22-009
July 22, 2022 – The Department of Health Care Services has issued several All Plan Letters (APLs) to Medi-Cal managed care providers in response to the current COVID-19 crisis. Recently, APL 22-004 and APL 22-009 were issued to provide guidance regarding continuity of coverage and the latest testing, treatment, and prevention requirements.
View summary (PDF, 190 KB)
COVID-19 Testing Updates for Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan Medi-Cal Network Providers
May 10, 2022 – Read about updates regarding financial responsibility for COVID-19 diagnostic and screening testing and related costs for Medi-Cal members for dates of service on and after January 1, 2022, and how Medi-Cal members can use their Medi-Cal Rx benefits to get free COVID-19 over-the-counter at home test kits.
Review update (PDF, 30 KB)
Tips for talking about COVID vaccination and booster shots
February 1, 2022 - Blue Shield of California has created a two-page tip sheet to help providers continue to encourage patients to take the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots.
Read the tip sheet (PDF, 79 KB)
COVID-19 vaccination incentive payment to be sent to some Medi-Cal and Cal MediConnect members
As part of the COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive program established by the Department of Health Care Services, some Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan members will be receiving a $50 Visa gift card as an incentive for receiving a COVID-19 vaccination shot.
Learn more (PDF, 86 KB)
Blue Shield assumes financial responsibility for COVID-19 screening and diagnostic testing administration costs for HMO commercial plan members, effective January 1, 2022
December 30, 2021 - In accordance with California Senate Bill 510, beginning January 1, 2022, Blue Shield will assume financial responsibility for all COVID-19 screening and diagnostic testing for HMO commercial plan members, including for a self-administered at-home testing kit when ordered by a healthcare provider.
View details (PDF, 58 KB)
Communication skills for talking about the COVID vaccines
November 9, 2021 – Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan has partnered with L.A. Care to provide a tip sheet to help providers engage more effectively with patients who are hesitant about taking the COVID-19 vaccines. Although the tip sheet was created with Medi-Cal providers in mind, the content applies to any provider.
The tip sheet includes suggested responses to patient statements and concerns, for the purpose of engaging patients in a nonjudgmental manner and linking vaccine acceptance to each patient’s hopes and goals.
Read the tip sheet (PDF, 295 KB)