COVID-19 Treatment
Medications to treat COVID-19 are free, widely available, and effective for stopping COVID-19 illness from getting serious. Everyone 12 years and older who has symptoms and tests positive for COVID-19 should ask a doctor about treatment.
Act quickly. COVID-19 medications work best when started within the first 5-7 days of symptoms. Medications are free regardless of insurance or citizenship status, but you must get a prescription.
Options for getting a prescription for COVID-19 medication include:
- Contact your doctor, urgent care center for an appointment. Visit our Provider directory page for a list of in network providers.
- Call the statewide COVID-19 hotline at 833-422-4255
- Find a Test-to-Test location near you. These sites can provide COVID-19 tests and also prescribe COVID-19 medications. To find a site use the COVID-19 Test to Treat Locator.
- Some pharmacies may be able to give you a prescription for treatment through Medi-Cal’s Pharmacy Benefit: Medi-Cal Rx.
- If you are not able to get a prescription from your doctor, but think you should be eligible for treatment, click here or call 833-686-5051 to make a phone or video appointment with California’s free COVID-19 telehealth provider.
Medications to Treat COVID-19
As a CenCal Health member, you can get medications and therapies that will treat or prevent COVID-19 free of charge. All oral medications are available through Medi-Cal Rx and intravenous medication can be billed by your provider to Medi-Cal Rx or CenCal Health.
Antivirals, such as the oral antiviral pill Paxlovid, prevent viruses from making more of themselves or “multiplying” in the body. They are very effective at preventing severe disease from COVID-19 infection and help you recover faster. It’s important to begin treatment as soon as possible after getting a positive COVID-19 test result.
|
Pharmacy Benefit |
Medical Benefit |
||
|
Antiviral Medication |
Medi-Cal Rx |
Medi-Cal FFS |
CenCal Health Benefit |
|
Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Lagevrio (molnupiravir) |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Veklury (remdesivir) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
COVID-19 Vaccines |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Prescribed in-home testing kits |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Antibody Testing |
No |
No |
No |
| Vaccine administration fee when performed at the provider’s office or pharmacy |
No |
Yes |
No |
Transportation
Free transportation to appointments may be provided for CenCal Health members by calling Member Services at 1-877-814-1861. Same day transportation requests are not available.