Benefits
Back to COVID-19 FAQs
21. Can I have a phone or online appointment?
Yes. If your provider offers services via telehealth and you meet the rules for a telehealth appointment, you can get many Medi-Cal services from home. Telehealth includes phone or videoconference appointments. They help lower your exposure to COVID-19. You can talk with your doctor or other provider by computer or phone about all medically necessary services. To learn more, go to the DHCS COVID‑19 Response webpage (DHCS COVID Response).
If your doctor does not offer services via telehealth and you are in a Medi-Cal managed care plan, you can call the plan. Ask for help to find a provider that offers services via telehealth. You can also contact Health Care Options for help with finding a managed care provider who offers services via telehealth. (Health Care Options)
22. What should I expect in a telehealth appointment?
The standard of care is the same if you see your provider in person or with telehealth. If your provider has telehealth and decides you can receive needed treatment services via telehealth for your problem, they will set up the appointment by phone or video conference. Call your health care provider to ask how telehealth works and how to make a telehealth appointment.
23. Whom should I call if I have COVID-19 symptoms?
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list is not complete. You can get an updated list of symptoms on the CDC webpage (CDC Webpage).
Call your doctor if you have other symptoms that are severe or worry you.
If you are in a Medi-Cal managed care plan, you can call your Primary Care Provider (PCP). Or call your plan's Member Services or Nurse Advice Line. The phone numbers are on your Member Identification Card.
If you are getting services in fee-for-service Medi-Cal and are not in a Medi-Cal health plan, you can talk with a nurse through the Medi-Nurse line. Call the DHCS COVID Line at 877-409-9052.
24. Whom should I call if I am experiencing a COVID-19 related emergency?
Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Call 911 if you have a medical emergency. Tell the operator you have or think you might have COVID-19. If you can, put on a cloth face cover before help arrives.
25. Am I covered for post-COVID conditions?
Some individuals may experience post-COVID conditions. These post-COVID conditions may also be known as long COVID, long-haul COVID, post-acute COVID-19, long-term effects of COVID, or chronic COVID. Post-COVID conditions are still being researched but can include the same symptoms as those resulting from having COVID-19.
Treatment for post-COVID conditions are covered for all Medi-Cal beneficiaries and those enrolled in the COVID-19 Uninsured Group.
Additional information on post-COVID conditions can be found on the CDC's website: CDC website
