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COVID-19 care updates for health care providers

These announcements and content section updates are provided to help you address the evolving business, legal and regulatory requirements associated with COVID-19 testing, vaccination and care. We encourage you to check this website periodically for updates, and we will notify you when new information becomes available. 

Thank you for the care and dedication you continue to demonstrate in providing care for our Blue Shield of California and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan members during these challenging times.

COVID-19 therapeutics guidance for Medi-Cal providers

October 24, 2022 - Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan has created a brief guide containing information and links to help Medi-Cal providers as they treat members for COVID-19 and support COVID-19 prevention.

Download the guide (PDF, 428 KB)

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)

COVID-19 updates for Blue Shield members

Read blueshieldca.com member information on how and where to get care for COVID-19.

See Blue Shield member COVID-19 news/updates

COVID-19 updates on Blue Shield News Center

Read the latest COVID-19 (coronavirus) updates on the Blue Shield News Center.

Access News Center COVID-19 articles