COVID-19 information from Anthem Blue Cross of California

COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 and Telehealth Billing Guide for Medi-Cal Managed Care

To help address care providers’ questions, Anthem has developed the following temporary billing guidelines for Medi-Cal Managed Care (Medi-Cal) providers in the Anthem network during this state of emergency:

COVID-19 and Telehealth Billing Guide for Medi-Cal Managed Care - (February 12, 2021)

COVID-19 — Office closures and or modified hours

Anthem Blue Cross (Anthem) has been notified by some providers that they are closing their location and or modifying their office hours. If a provider/clinic office closes or limit hours, you are responsible for providing coverage for your patients.

COVID-19 — Reporting office closures and/or modified hours to Anthem - (4/2/2020)

Medi-Cal Managed Care Telehealth COVID-19 Q&A 

Telehealth COVID-19 Q&A

Medi-Cal Managed Care Telehealth COVID-19 Q&A

COVID-19 update: Guidance for telehealth/telephonic care for behavioral health services

Anthem is closely monitoring COVID-19 developments and what it means for our customers and our health care provider partners. Our clinical team is actively monitoring external queries and reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help us determine what action is necessary on our part. We have made changes to how behavioral health providers can use and be compensated for telehealth (audio + video) and telephonic-only care with their patients.

COVID-19 update: Guidance for telehealth/telephonic care for behavioral health services

Well-child visits

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has noted a significant decline in well-child visits and subsequent vaccinations and appropriate screenings. For this reason, the AAP developed guidance on the provision of pediatric well-care services via telehealth during the COVD-19 pandemic.

Well-child visits (July 27, 2020)

Meal Assistance During COVID-19

In this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognize that there may be high-risk members who have limited, or no, access to food, and who are not eligible for our medical meals pilot program. The COVID-19 Meal Delivery Option for High-Risk Members provides one meal/day for up to eight weeks.

Information: Meals assistance for high-risk members Form: COVID-19 Meal Delivery Option for High-Risk

Form: COVID-19 Meal Delivery Option for High-Risk

Department of Health and Human Services announces additional distributions from the Provider Relief Fund to eligible Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program providers (June 12, 2020)

Department of Health and Human Services announces additional distributions from the Provider Relief Fund to eligible Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program providers (June 12, 2020)

Webinar recording available from Anthem Blue Cross for network providers on SBA loans and other federal relief programs in response to COVID-19

We are committed to helping care providers learn how you can secure resources to support yourselves and your business during the COVID-19 crisis. On April 30, 2020, we hosted a webinar to share information and resources with network providers regarding opportunities to access loans through the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) and other federal programs in response to the economic impact of COVID-19 on care providers that are also small employers.

Listen now! Webinar recording available from Anthem Blue Cross for network providers on SBA loans and other federal relief programs in response to COVID-19

Helpful Mental Health Links

Due to social distancing requirements brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, some members who attend in-person therapy or meetings for mental health, substance use and domestic violence support are unable to access their normal support system. We have assembled a list of online resources to help members who may be in need of support.

Helpful Mental Health Links

Federal resources available for health care providers and employers in the federal CARES Act

Anthem, Inc. advocated for Congress to provide sufficient funding for hospitals to be able to address those in need of care, and we strongly support federal and state efforts to address the financial needs of care providers. To help care providers navigate the resources available to them, we complied information on programs that could deliver additional financial relief during this crisis.

Federal resources available for health care providers and employers in the federal CARES Act