Monday, February 19, 2024 is Presidents’ Day, our offices will be closed. Have a safe holiday.

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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

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.