Health
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
“Open enrollment is under way, and now is the time to sign up for quality health coverage that will begin on Jan. 1,” said Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee. “We want to make sure Californians know about the new state subsidies that mean almost 1 million people can get more help with their premiums, and the restoration of the individual mandate law, which requires people to have health insurance if they can afford it.”
The two new state initiatives, the state subsidy program and the restoration of the individual mandate, are key elements in Covered California’s record-low 0.8 percent rate increase for the upcoming year.
The new state subsidies will help lower the cost of coverage for almost 1 million California consumers. The main groups of people who are projected to benefit are:
– Middle-income Californians who previously did not qualify for financial help because their incomes exceeded federal limits. The amount of their subsidy will vary based on their age and income and the health care costs in their region. While the state subsidy for this group will average $172 per household, per month, consumers will need to input their information to see what amount they would receive. For example, while some consumers may get a monthly state subsidy of $50, others could get $150, and some could receive a $750 or more.
– Covered California enrollees who currently receive federal financial help could be eligible to receive an average of an additional $15 per household, per month.
“California will be making history this year, becoming the first state in the nation to make coverage more affordable for middle-income families like small-businesses owners, entrepreneurs, contractors and gig economy workers,” Lee said. “During our first day of renewal, a family of two from Sonoma received a state subsidy of $630 per month, which is why it’s so important for people to see if they qualify.”
In addition, a Covered California analysis found that 75 percent of existing consumers will be able to reduce their cost of coverage and receive the same level of benefits if they switch to the lowest-cost plan in the same metal tier.
“Covered California puts consumers in the driver’s seat, and a majority of our current enrollees could pay less than they did last year because they can shop around and get a better deal,” Lee said.
Covered California will begin its statewide outreach campaign on Oct. 30 with a new marketing campaign that includes television ads will debut Nov. 4. The ads, titled “You Shouldn’t Have To,” center on the idea that when you have health insurance, you do not need to make tough choices like whether to try self-treatment or see a doctor.
Also new in the campaign this year is a reminder that Covered California is “in your corner,” and is a free service that helps people find the health insurance that’s right for them.
“Our name is well known, but every year the research continues to show that some consumers still don’t understand the role Covered California plays in helping them find comprehensive, affordable health insurance,” Lee said. “We want Californians to know that we are a free service that helps them get health coverage that works for them.”
In addition, research shows that some consumers still do not know they qualify financial help.
“You can get a quote within minutes by using our Shop and Compare Tool, so even if you have checked before, the new financial help available makes it worth it to check again,” Lee said. “Don’t leave money on the table when you may be able to get health coverage for less than you think.”
The outreach effort will include traveling throughout California to promote enrollment by visiting enrollment locations, meeting with partners and conducting 10 televised phone banks in Spanish and Mandarin.
New this year is a partnership between Covered California and well-known California athletes. There will be live events at four locations across the state where these trusted voices, who are committed to healthy lifestyles, will help spread the word that now is the time to sign up for health coverage through Covered California. More details about the events will be announced as they approach.
“Once again, we are making a significant investment to make sure all Californians know there are big changes this year, with new financial support and a new law that requires everyone to have coverage,” Lee said. “We will be on television and radio, in newspapers and online, and increasingly in the digital world, where more and more Californians get their information.”
Restoring the individual mandate
In addition, California restored the individual mandate that was part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act from 2014 through 2018, once again making it the law to have health coverage starting in 2020. Consumers who do not get covered could face a penalty administered by the Franchise Tax Board when they file their 2020 taxes in the spring of 2021.
“Nearly nine out of 10 Covered California consumers receive financial help, which saves them an average of 80 percent off the price of their coverage,” Lee said. “If you choose to go uninsured next year, even though you can afford the coverage, you could face a penalty that could climb into the thousands of dollars.”
For those facing a penalty, a family of four would pay at least $2,000, and potentially more, for not having health insurance throughout 2020.
“Consumers need to take action now during open enrollment,” Lee said. “This is when people can sign up to get health insurance and avoid the potential of a big surprise when they file their taxes in 2021.”
Getting help enrolling
Consumers will need to sign up by Dec. 15 in order to have their coverage begin on Jan. 1, 2020.
Those interested in learning more about their coverage options can:
– Visit www.CoveredCA.com.
– Get free and confidential in-person assistance, in a variety of languages, from a certified enroller.
– Have a certified enroller call them and help them for free.
– Call Covered California at 800-300-1506.
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- Written by: California Department of Public Health
In California, flu usually begins to increase in late November or December. It takes a couple of weeks after vaccination for the body to build immunity, so now is the time to get vaccinated to have the best protection now the flu season has started.
“Getting vaccinated is the best line of defense against flu,” said acting State Public Health Officer Dr. Charity Dean. “Vaccination will help you stay healthy for work or school, avoid visits to the doctor or hospitalization, and protect others from coming down with the flu.”
A person with the flu may be contagious and infect others before they even feel sick.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, during the 2017-2018 season, flu immunization prevented an estimated seven million illnesses and 8,000 deaths in the United States.
Flu vaccines are administered as a shot or nasal spray. For the 2019-20 flu season, the CDC recommends vaccination with no preference for any one vaccine type over another.
CDPH recommends the annual flu vaccination for everyone six months of age and older. While anyone can get the flu, pregnant women, children under five, adults 65 years of age and older, and people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes and asthma are particularly at risk for flu-related complications.
Flu vaccinations are needed every year to maintain the greatest protection because the vaccine changes each year to match circulating viruses and annual vaccination boosts immunity.
For pregnant women, flu complications can include premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth of the baby.
Besides helping prevent flu complications, flu vaccine given during pregnancy also helps protect babies from flu infection for several months after birth, before the baby can be immunized, which is a time that babies are at high risk for flu complications.
Common symptoms of the flu, which typically develop within a few days of exposure, include fever or feeling feverish, a cough and/or sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, chills, fatigue and body aches. Children may also have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
To stop the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses, you should also:
· Stay home while sick and limit contact with others.
· Cover coughs or sneezes with your sleeve or disposable tissue.
· Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
CDPH encourages Californians to contact their health care provider, physician’s office or clinic about getting the flu vaccine. When flu vaccine is in stock, adults with Medi-Cal can also get immunized at the pharmacy where they generally pick up their prescriptions. Some local health departments may also offer low- or no-cost flu immunizations.
For more information about the flu, visit CDPH’s Web site. For the flu vaccine location nearest you, visit www.flu.gov.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Assembly Bill 690 will increase access to pharmacy care in vulnerable and rural areas of California, by authorizing the use of telepharmacy in medically underserved areas and streamlining the process for pharmacies to reopen after a natural disaster.
The bill contains an urgency clause, which means its provisions go into effect immediately.
“People living in pharmacy-deprived areas, whether rural or urban, face many barriers to obtaining comprehensive medical care,” said Aguiar-Curry. “Telepharmacy is a proven model to provide enhanced care that is both safe and effective.”
In 2017, Aguiar-Curry authored AB 401, which legalized the use of telepharmacy technology in California for the first time.
However, although this law was passed two years ago, the Board of Pharmacy had as yet been unable to implement the law.
Therefore, telepharmacy still has not been used in the state. AB 690 addresses this delay by codifying the qualifications required for a pharmacy technician to work in a remote dispensing pharmacy.
By changing the law rather than waiting for the regulatory process, perhaps years, the use of telepharmacy in California can begin immediately.
According to Aguiar-Curry, “My constituents in small towns and rural communities sometimes face real hardship needing to access pharmacies many miles away. This telepharmacy law will provide access to opportunities for better patient education, make it easier for patients to follow schedules for their medications, and result in better health for Californians.”
The second piece of AB 690 streamlines the process for a pharmacy that is destroyed or damaged in a natural disaster to relocate and reopen.
Currently, pharmacists whose businesses are destroyed or damaged during a disaster are required to completely re-apply for a pharmacy license in order to reopen their businesses, as if the pharmacy were brand new.
AB 690 would allow for these impacted pharmacies to quickly relocate and reopen following an emergency.
This is of critical importance, so that patients can have continuity in their pharmacy care and independent pharmacists can get their businesses back up and running.
“During the Camp Fire in 2018, five pharmacies were closed due to significant fire damage. I deeply appreciate the Board of Pharmacy, and pharmacy employee groups and other stakeholders for working with me to allow a speedier recovery of pharmacy services for victims of wildfire and other disasters. We’ve learned a lot over the past several years that instructed us all on how to develop solid policy,” said Aguiar-Curry. “I am excited that Governor Newsom recognizes the importance of access to pharmacy care for California’s smaller communities, and the added value that telepharmacy can provide to Californians with health and mobility challenges.”
Aguiar-Curry represents the Fourth Assembly District, which includes all of Lake and Napa counties, parts of Colusa, Solano and Sonoma counties, and all of Yolo County except West Sacramento.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid getting the flu. Anyone 6 months of age or older is encouraged to get a flu vaccine.
Being careful to use good hygiene is another way to protect yourself and those around you. If you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or the crook of your arm, instead of your hands.
Because a virus can easily be passed from your hands to the things you touch, wash your hands often and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.
Try not to touch your face with your hands, as viruses can enter your system through the membranes of your eyes, nose and mouth.
Protect yourself by avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick.
Choosing a healthy lifestyle can also help to keep you well. Getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of water, and staying physically active can help to maintain a healthy immune system.
The symptoms of the flu include a temperature of over 100 degrees F, combined with a cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, and a lack of energy. If you are ill, stay home to keep from infecting others.
Lake County Public Health is offering seasonal flu vaccines for $2.
Scheduled clinics for the seasonal flu vaccines are as follows while supplies last:
– Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Heroes of Health and Safety Fair, Lake County Fairgrounds, 401 Martin St. in Lakeport. Flu shots are free at this event.
Lake County Public Health will be offering flu vaccines for $2 at the Public Health Division, 922 Bevins Court in Lakeport. Appointments are required. Please call 707-263-1090 or 800-794-9291 to schedule.
– Tuesday, Oct. 15, 1:30 to 4 p.m.
– Thursday, Oct. 17, 1:30 to 4 p.m.
– Tuesday, Oct. 22, 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m.
– Thursday, Oct. 24, 1:30 to 4 p.m.
– Tuesday, Oct. 29, 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m.
– Thursday, Oct. 31, 1:30 to 4 p.m.
Flu vaccinations are also available in a variety of locations, such as your primary care provider and local pharmacies.
Together, we can help to decrease the spread of influenza in our community. Get vaccinated today.
The Lake County Public Health Division wishes you all a healthy and happy fall and winter season.
Please call 1-800-794-9291 or 707-263-1090 with questions or concerns.
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