Coronavirus (COVID-19) Member Information

CareOregon: Here for you through COVID-19 and beyond

CareOregon knows that you, our members, have many questions about COVID-19. We want to help you understand how to take precautions and how to access your benefits during this time. Health care providers are working hard to continue seeing patients, and your health is important to them. Here are some important things to know:

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, call your primary care provider. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Your provider can advise you on the best next steps, including how to get tested. For more information, click here.
Who can get tested? Currently, providers are working with public health officials to determine whether or not people need to be tested, depending on the situation and the symptoms present. For more information, click here.
Whenever possible, stay at home and practice social distancing. This is the most effective way to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Current appointments:
- Unless it is an emergency, you should not go to your primary care doctor or the dentist. Your health care providers may notify you about canceling or postponing any non-urgent appointments. To protect you and the health care workers, the Oregon Health Authority and the Governor’s office are asking people to avoid going to providers’ offices, urgent care facilities or hospital emergency rooms.
- For mental health and substance use treatment services, please contact your provider directly about how to get your needed supports. Many providers are now maintaining appointments by phone or video.
- Most, if not all, elective procedures are being postponed. However, authorizations for these elective procedures are being extended until January 1, 2021.
- You still have access to our provider network. None of your benefits have changed, and we are still here to ensure that your physical, dental and mental health care needs are met.
Alternatives to in-person appointments:
- You may be able to set up a telephone or online video call with your provider. Many primary care providers and mental health providers are using these methods to communicate with their patients. Mental health appointments and many physical health needs can be addressed this way. Call your provider for more information.
Pharmacy updates:
- Extra medication: If you need extra medication, you can still get it. If you get your prescription refilled, you can extend your prescription to 90 days’ worth of medication. You can also fill your prescription early. Please call your pharmacy if you need to refill early or fill for 90 days at a time.
- Mail order: If you want to have your medications sent to you by a mail-order pharmacy, you can do that. Our directory of mail-order pharmacies is available here, or give Pharmacy Customer Service a call. You can also call your local pharmacy, as they may offer home delivery service.
- Authorizations: If you have an approved pre-authorization that expires before the end of the year, we are extending the expiration date by six months. You do not need to do anything — this will happen automatically for you if you qualify.
Interpretation access:
- If you speak a language other than English, we can help you get access to an interpreter. For phone interpretation, call our Customer Service at 800-224-4840 and we can help connect you to an interpreter.
Transportation options:
- You can still get help with rides to appointments. The Ride to Care program is still available to members who need help with rides. Check with your provider to see if coming to your appointment is still recommended, and reschedule any non-urgent appointments. Your provider may recommend an appointment by phone/online video. Ride to Care’s call volume is particularly high right now, so you should use their web request form to schedule a ride.

For helpful coronavirus facts from the Oregon Health Authority, click on your choice of language:

Continue reading to find answers to frequently asked questions about the coronavirus.

Click here to download this FAQ as a PDF

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQ for Members

Q: What is the coronavirus?

A: The coronavirus is a virus strain that began spreading in people in December 2019. It is sometimes called COVID-19.
Q: What are the symptoms of the coronavirus?

A: Symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms can appear in as few as two or as many as 14 days after a person is exposed to the virus.
Q: What should I do if I have these symptoms?

A: Call your primary care provider and ask them the safest way to receive care. Stay home and avoid close contact with other people until you’ve had no symptoms for 24 hours. Experts think people are most contagious when symptoms are worse. Please also let your provider know if you have traveled to an affected area within the last 14 days.
Q: How does testing work?

A: Currently, providers are working with public health officials to determine whether or not people need to be tested, depending on the situation and the symptoms present. If you do need to be tested, your provider can take the sample and send it to the Oregon State Public Health Lab for testing. You will be notified of the results when they’re available.
Q: Who is at risk of getting the coronavirus?

A: The current risk for most people is low. While there are some cases in the U.S., health officials are working to identify and evaluate suspected cases. The CDC says, “At this time most people in the United States have little immediate risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.”
Q: How can I prevent the coronavirus?
A: Steps you would normally take to prevent the flu and the common cold can also help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
- If you know someone is sick, avoid contact with them. The coronavirus can spread between people about six feet from each other.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve. Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Clean items in your home that are touched often. You can use wipes or sprays to disinfect.
- Wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds. Wash:
  - After going to the bathroom.
  - After coughing or sneezing.
  - Before eating.
  - Before touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  - Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap isn’t available.
Q: Do I need a facemask? Will CareOregon provide a facemask?

A: You don’t need a facemask unless you show signs of having the coronavirus, or you are in close contact with people who have symptoms. If you need a mask because you’re sick, or are caring for someone who is sick, talk to your primary care provider.
Q: Can I get extra medicine if I can’t make it to the pharmacy?

A: If you get your prescription refilled, we will extend your prescription to 90 days' worth of medication. You can also refill your prescription early. CareOregon members also have access to mail order pharmacies — learn more here. If you have other questions or concerns about the medications you take, contact your prescribing provider or your pharmacist. They will help guide you on best next steps.

We are in close contact with the Oregon Health Authority and following CDC guidelines. Please check back on this page for the latest information.
Q: Are there medication treatments for the coronavirus that are covered?

A: According to the CDC, there is no specific treatment for the coronavirus. Please contact your primary care provider if you have symptoms and think you need to be tested. Your primary care provider is the first person you should call.
Q: Can CareOregon provide tissues, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes or other supplies?

A: If you believe you have a medical need for these supplies, contact your primary care provider. We do not stock supplies or maintain a surplus.

What should I do if I have more questions or want to learn more?

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the situation closely. You can learn more at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.

You can also call 211 or visit their website at https://www.211info.org/corona-virus for more general information.

OHA has posted some helpful fact sheets that can be found here:

COVID-19 fact sheet

Prevention fact sheet