News

It’s very important to keep taking care of yourself and your family during the coronavirus outbreak. But how can you do that if you can’t visit your health care providers? The good news is, there are many ways you can still use your Columbia Pacific CCO benefits. Keep reading to learn more about telephone and video appointments and more.

Your Columbia Pacific CCO benefits have not changed!

The way you get health care might be different right now. But your benefits are not different. Your physical, dental, mental health care and substance use treatment benefits are all still available to you. So how do you get care if you need it? Start by calling your primary care provider (PCP). You can find phone numbers for your PCP and your other providers on your Columbia Pacific CCO Member ID card. This is an example of what your ID card looks like:

Ask about phone and video appointments

Many providers and clinics are offering options for appointments like these:

• Telephone and video appointments for new members and for ongoing services
• In-person appointments, being sure to keep you and the clinic staff safe

Video appointments can help you connect with your provider and offer another way for them to help you. You can have a video appointment using your smartphone, computer or tablet. It needs to have a camera and be connected to the internet. What if you don’t have a camera or internet? Call Columbia Pacific CCO Customer Service at 503-488-2822 or toll-free 855-722-8206, TTY 711. They can help you find other options.

If you’re worried about using your phone or internet data, check with your cellphone or internet provider. During the COVID-19 crisis, some providers are offering free or reduced plans. Some of them are not charging late fees. They may also remove limits on how much data you can use. Click these links to find out more:

AT&T

CenturyLink

Comcast

Sprint

T-Mobile (including Metro PCS)

Verizon

Testing for COVID-19

• If you have symptoms of COVID-19, call your PCP. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you need urgent medical attention, call 911.
• Your provider will tell you what you should do, including how to get tested.
• Keep washing your hands, practicing social distancing and wearing a mask. These are the best ways to help stop COVID-19 from spreading.

Manage your diabetes

• Some clinics and hospitals may offer drive-through A1C testing. Ask your PCP or call

  our Customer Service.

• The American Diabetes Association has a very helpful page about diabetes and coronavirus, check it out.

Stay on top of your screenings

• Some screenings, like for mental health, may be done with a phone or video appointment. Ask your PCP.
• Ask your PCP about setting up other screenings for in-person visits when they are available. This includes mammograms and screenings for things like HPV.

Get help for mental health and substance use issues

• All Columbia Pacific CCO members have mental health and substance use treatment benefits.
• If you already have a mental health or substance use treatment provider, call them. Many providers can talk with you by phone or video. And some in-person appointments are available.
• If you don’t have a provider, call your PCP. They can tell you how to get the help you need. Some PCPs have mental health services available at their offices or will help connect you to care with another provider.
• You can also call the “Mental Health & Substance Use Plan” phone number that’s on your Member ID card.
• If you feel you are in crisis, call your county’s crisis line:
  • Clatsop County: 503-325-5724, TTY 711
  • Columbia County, 503-782-4499TTY 711
  • Tillamook County: 503-842-8201, TTY 711

Support for seniors

• If you’re a senior, it’s very important to limit contact with other people during COVID-19. But that can make you feel lonely. If you’d like to talk to someone who knows what you’re going through, call the Senior Loneliness Line at 503-200-1633. It’s a free service for people 55 and older, and it’s completely confidential. If you want to know more before you call, visit seniorloneliness.org for more information.

Stay connected with your family and friends

• Some of the best support you can get during times like these is from your family and friends. People who care about you want you to live a long and healthy life.
• In fact, some studies show that having even a simple connection with others could lead to a longer life. So, be sure to tell people how they can help.
• A socially distanced visit or a nice chat on the phone are good ways to stay connected.

Exercise at home

• Even if you can’t get to a gym, there are other ways to stay active. Like going out for a walk. Watching workout videos online. Or playing with your kids or grandkids.
• If you’re not sure what kind of exercise is right for you, call your PCP and they can help.

Keep your kids healthy

• Talk to your child’s pediatrician about wellness visits for your kids. You might be able to do them on a video call.
• Immunizations (or vaccines) are still VERY important for your kids. They are extra important if your child is two years old or younger. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about your options.

Have your medications sent to you

• You don’t have to leave your house to get your prescriptions. You can have them sent to you through the mail for free.
• We have a list of mail-order pharmacies or call Customer Service. You can also call your local pharmacy, they may offer home delivery.
• You can get your medications early. You can also get a 90-day supply for some medications.

Seeing the dentist

• Dental offices are open for urgent services and are working on plans to provide safe, regular dental care. Contact your dental clinic directly to find out what’s available.

Get a ride to your appointments

• Rides to appointments are still available. Please call NW Rides at 888-793-0439 to see what transportation option is right for you.

COVID-19 care for immigrants and refugees

• Are you or anyone in your family an immigrant or a refugee? Getting tested and treated for COVID-19 will not affect your immigration status.
• If you are having symptoms, call your PCP.
• If you’re looking for additional resources during this time, this link could provide some more options

Get help in your language

• 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 503-488-2822 or toll-free 855-722-8206, TTY 711 and we can help connect you to an interpreter.
• All our members are important to us! If there is any way that we can improve our services in your language, please let us know.

More helpful resources

CareOregon Coronavirus information

The Centers for Disease Control

Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 page

Checking your blood pressure at home

Managing stress