Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)

Medical Plan Updates: 06/21/2021

 

Kaiser Permanente (Kaiser):

  • Kaiser has launched several programs and incentives to engage unvaccinated individuals, in accordance with the White House’s National Month of Actions sprint to vaccinate 70% of U.S. adults, with at least one shot by July 4. These programs and initiatives include:
  • $10 million in community grants: Kaiser is targeting 100 community-based organizations to receive funding for the continued promotion of vaccine confidence and organization engagement
  • Immunity Sweepstakes: All vaccinated Kaiser members and individuals ages 12 and older, who received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at a Kaiser facility or a qualifying Kaiser sponsored vaccination site, by July 9, 2021, will be entered into a sweepstakes to win trips to theme parks and national parks, wellness retreats, healthy meal home deliveries, fitness equipment, and gym memberships
  • Influencer and social media campaign: Social engagement programs aimed at reaching an online audience of 18 to 30-year olds through relevant messaging from trusted voices and social influencers
  • Member and community education: Kaiser continues to conduct member and community outreach regarding COVID-19 vaccination and safety in disproportionately impacted communities
  • Publication of a vaccine confidence toolkit: The toolkit focuses on improving vaccine access and equity, by sharing Kaiser’s best practices to help other vaccine providers accelerate vaccination rates
  • Population-based care: Kaiser is encouraging vaccination through culturally relevant emails, mailings, and texts, tailored to unvaccinated individuals and populations
  • Personalized physician outreach: Kaiser has conveniently placed posters with QR codes to access vaccine clinics throughout their pharmacies and labs. Additionally, during office visits, care team members use prompts to personalize vaccine discussions with unvaccinated members

 

Anthem Blue Cross (Anthem):

  • Anthem provided members with information on identifying and coping with anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, members were reminded that uncontrolled anxiety can be a burden that affects work and relationships; with severe and constant anxiety having the ability to cause high blood pressure, allergies, and digestive problems.

 

  • Symptoms of anxiety include:
    • Heart pounding
    • Nausea
    • Poor sleep
    • Stomachaches and headaches
    • Sweating
    • Tingling in the legs and arms

 

  • Ways to manage anxiety include:
    • Spending time with trusted friends and family
    • Talking with a therapist about your feelings
    • Exercising regularly or staying active
    • Eating nutritious foods
    • Setting aside enough time for sleep and rest
    • Avoiding drugs, alcohol, and caffeine
    • Learning relaxation exercises or meditation
    • Focusing on the positive

 

Cigna: No new updates

 UnitedHealthCare: No new updates

 

Helpful Links:

 

Archive Links:

 

The Department of Human Resources (DHR) works closely with the County-sponsored medical plans available to our employees, and receives regular updates concerning the COVID-19 crisis.  Watch this page for weekly news, as well as any urgent updates on how to get treatment and new recommendations concerning social distancing, self-quarantine, and more.