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"title": "CDC Approves Second Bivalent Booster for Some. Find Out if You're Eligible",
"headTitle": "CDC Approves Second Bivalent Booster for Some. Find Out if You’re Eligible | KQED",
"content": "\u003cp>For months, many people have been wondering, “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11941531/when-can-i-get-a-second-bivalent-covid-booster-heres-what-we-know-right-now\">When can I get a second bivalent COVID booster?\u003c/a>” — especially if they got their first bivalent booster seven months ago, in September 2022, back when these shots were first authorized.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have announced that as of Wednesday, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/s0419-covid-vaccines.html\">certain people who are at higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization or death from COVID can get a second bivalent booster shot\u003c/a> from Moderna or Pfizer — specifically, people age 65 and older, and people who are immunocompromised.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#findbooster\">Who can now get a second bivalent booster? \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>In a statement Wednesday, the CDC said that offering this second bivalent booster dose would offer “\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/s0419-covid-vaccines.html\">more flexibility for people at higher risk\u003c/a> who want the option of added protection from additional COVID-19 vaccine doses.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This decision came after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday amended the emergency use authorizations of the Moderna and Pfizer bivalent vaccines “to simplify the vaccination schedule for most individuals” — including offering these second booster doses to certain people. The CDC also agreed with the FDA that anyone who does not have their primary series of vaccines should now just go straight to a bivalent dose. \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/s0419-covid-vaccines.html\">The original monovalent COVID mRNA COVID vaccines will no longer be recommended\u003c/a> for use in the United States, the agency says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#findbooster\">Where can I find a second bivalent booster near me if I’m eligible?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#noteligiblebivalent\">I’m not eligible for a second bivalent booster yet. How long will I have to wait?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>“At this stage of the pandemic, data support simplifying the use of the authorized mRNA bivalent COVID-19 vaccines, and the agency believes that this approach will help encourage future vaccination,” said Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Who can get a second bivalent booster shot?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The FDA says the following groups of people can now get a second bivalent booster:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>People age 65 and older \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This age group can now get a second bivalent booster shot, as long as it’s been at least four months from their original bivalent shot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>People who are immunocompromised \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This group can get a second bivalent booster shot as long as it’s been at least \u003cem>two\u003c/em> months from their original bivalent shot.[aside postID=news_11924327 hero='https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/RS61679_GettyImages-1241629214-qut-1020x680.jpg']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Neither \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-changes-simplify-use-bivalent-mrna-covid-19-vaccines\">the FDA’s announcement\u003c/a> nor \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/s0419-covid-vaccines.html\">the CDC’s announcement\u003c/a> about second bivalent booster shots offers specifics about which conditions leading to a person being immunocompromised are included in this update. But on their site, the CDC says that \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html#immunocompromised\">you can be immunocompromised or have a weakened immune system because of a medical condition you have\u003c/a>, or because of a treatment you’re undergoing \u003cem>for\u003c/em> a medical condition.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html#immunocompromised\">According to the CDC, this includes people who\u003c/a>:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Have cancer and are on chemotherapy.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Have had a solid organ transplant, like a kidney or heart, and are taking medication to keep their transplant.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Must use certain types of medicines for a long time that weaken the immune system, like corticosteroids (because long-term uses can lead to secondary or acquired immunodeficiency).\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Have a weakened immune system because of “a life-long condition,” meaning they’ve inherited issues with their immune system.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>How do you prove you qualify for a second bivalent booster because you’re immunocompromised or otherwise have a weakened immune system? \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html\">The CDC says you can “self-attest\u003c/a> to your moderately or severely immunocompromised status, which means you do not need any documentation of your status to receive COVID-19 vaccine doses you might be eligible to receive.” That is, you don’t need to bring any proof of any medical conditions you have to your vaccination to receive the second bivalent booster. Instead, you’ll just be asked to sign a form saying that you are indeed eligible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re unsure whether you qualify, it’s a good idea to talk with your primary care provider if you have one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Be aware that the second bivalent booster shot recommendation for immunocompromised people \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-changes-simplify-use-bivalent-mrna-covid-19-vaccines\">does not include children age 6 months through 4 years\u003c/a>. For that age group, said the FDA, “eligibility for additional doses will depend on the vaccine previously received.” Consider speaking to your child’s health care provider about what’s being recommended in this situation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#tellus\">Tell us: What else do you need information about right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11941542\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11941542\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS63121_GettyImages-1240474358-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A Black woman wearing a blue surgical mask and a blue shirt faces the camera, leaning over to administer a vaccine to a person wearing a blue checked shirt, whose back is to the camera.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1209\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS63121_GettyImages-1240474358-qut.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS63121_GettyImages-1240474358-qut-800x504.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS63121_GettyImages-1240474358-qut-1020x642.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS63121_GettyImages-1240474358-qut-160x101.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS63121_GettyImages-1240474358-qut-1536x967.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Vocational Nurse Cleopatra Oniya administers the Pfizer booster shot at a COVID vaccination and testing site decorated for Cinco de Mayo at Ted Watkins Memorial Park in Los Angeles on May 5, 2022. \u003ccite>(Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Why should certain groups consider a second bivalent booster dose?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The groups that have been newly approved by the FDA for a second bivalent booster are at higher risk of severe disease, hospitalization or death from COVID. Depending on a person’s risk factors, this may be because they have a medical condition that places them at higher risk, or because their immune system may not have mounted a sufficient response to their primary vaccine series or their first bivalent booster.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The updated booster shots, called bivalent vaccines and sometimes “the omicron booster,” target both the original strain of the coronavirus and the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron subvariants that have largely evaded previous boosters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/cdc-omicron-booster-2nd-dose-older-adults-rcna79568\">As NBC News has reported\u003c/a>, BA.4 and BA.5 are no longer in circulation in the U.S., and almost 80% of current COVID cases in the United States are instead \u003ca href=\"https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions\">caused by the omicron subvariant XBB.1.5\u003c/a>, according to \u003ca href=\"https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions\">the CDC’s variant tracker\u003c/a>. But early data from the CDC still reported that getting a shot of the bivalent booster still \u003ca href=\"https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/updated-covid-boosters-cut-infection-risk-xbb15-subvariant-half-cdc-fi-rcna67313\">reduced the risk of COVID infection from this new subvariant by nearly half\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"noteligiblebivalent\">\u003c/a>I’m not eligible for a second bivalent booster shot yet. How long will I have to wait?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re not among one of the groups approved by the FDA for a second bivalent shot now, you’ll most likely have to wait until the fall.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, infectious disease expert at UCSF, told KQED in February that most healthy people who are up to date on their primary COVID vaccine series should probably expect to get another booster shot after about a year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“All roads lead to an annual COVID booster,” Chin-Hong said. “We know so far that immunity from the booster in general should last for about a year.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Back in January, the FDA convened a committee to propose \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11938916/fda-considers-major-shift-in-covid-vaccine-strategy\">reducing the schedule for the COVID vaccine for most people to a single annual dose\u003c/a> in the fall or winter — much like the flu shot. The agency now says it’ll hold a meeting of that same committee in June to discuss “the strain composition of the COVID-19 vaccines for fall of 2023.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That means there’s one potential plus of waiting longer to get your bivalent booster: Unlike the second bivalent booster that the FDA has just approved for certain groups, this dose later in 2023 may likely be updated to match whatever COVID variant is dominating at that time.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"findbooster\">\u003c/a>If I’m eligible, where can I find a second bivalent booster shot near me?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The first appointments for second doses of the bivalent booster for those who qualify will almost certainly become available at Bay Area pharmacies. This is because pharmacies take their guidance from the federal level.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Other vaccination sites in the Bay Area, like county-run locations, may have to wait a little longer, for the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup to approve second doses of the bivalent booster for these groups. Once this group of scientists approves the FDA and CDC’s decision, these boosters will be able to roll out far more widely across California (and Nevada, Oregon and Washington).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember that a certain location may only be offering a certain type of booster, whether that’s Moderna or Pfizer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>1. Find a second bivalent booster shot through a local pharmacy\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Several pharmacy chains are offering online appointments for the coronavirus vaccine booster, and some also offer walk-in boosters with no appointment:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine?icid=cvs-home-hero1-banner-1-link2-coronavirus-vaccine\">CVS COVID-19 vaccine appointments \u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/covid-qualifier?utm_source=state&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=Covid19&utm_content=Covid19scheduler_CA_2_12_21\">Rite Aid COVID-19 vaccine appointments\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.mhealthappointments.com/covidappt\">Safeway (Albertsons) COVID-19 vaccine appointments\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19?ban=covid_vaccine_landing_schedule\">Walgreens COVID-19 vaccine appointments\u003c/a>, or call (800) WALGREENS (800-925-4733)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://costcorx.appointment-plus.com/appointments/book?section=typeOfVaccine&workflow=default\">Costco’s COVID-19 vaccine appointments\u003cbr>\n\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>2. Find a second bivalent booster shot through My Turn\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://myturn.ca.gov/\">My Turn is the state’s tool\u003c/a> that allows Californians to schedule vaccination appointments, as supplies allow. You can also try to \u003ca href=\"https://myturn.ca.gov/clinic.html\">find a walk-in appointment through My Turn\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember that it may take a little while for My Turn to start offering second doses of the bivalent booster shot for eligible people.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When appointments do become available, you can \u003ca href=\"https://myturn.ca.gov/\">visit the My Turn page\u003c/a> and select “Make an Appointment.” My Turn will ask for your information, including the ZIP code or location you’d like to use to search for vaccine appointments. You can give your home location or input other locations to see which sites are available farther from home.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you can’t travel to a clinic for your booster shot because of health or transportation issues, you can note this when registering on My Turn, and representatives from the California Department of Public Health will call you to arrange an in-home visit or transportation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you don’t have an email address or a cellphone number, or you have questions, you can call the California COVID-19 hotline at (833) 422-4255 (Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–8 p.m. PT, Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.–5 p.m PT) and sign up over the phone. English-speaking and Spanish-speaking operators are available. Callers needing information in other languages will be connected to a translation service that offers assistance in over 250 languages.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11889661\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11889661\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2021/09/michigan_shot_gettyimages-1234850852-8f2a1402d5a0ab808313f55bdac52f950c8ad974-scaled-e1632414475184.jpg\" alt=\"Blue-gloved hands administer a vaccine into a shoulder.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rufus Peoples receives his booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine during an Oakland County Health Department vaccination clinic at the Southfield Pavilion on Aug. 24, 2021, in Southfield, Michigan. \u003ccite>(Emily Elconin/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>3. Find a second bivalent booster shot through your county\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11855623/where-can-i-get-a-covid-19-vaccine-in-the-bay-area-your-questions-answered#county\">Visit your county’s public health website\u003c/a> to learn how they are vaccinating their residents. Remember that it may take a little while for county-run vaccination sites to start offering second doses of the bivalent booster shot for eligible people — and that many counties may have closed several of their vaccination sites at this stage of the pandemic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11855623/where-can-i-get-a-covid-19-vaccine-in-the-bay-area-your-questions-answered#county\">Find your Bay Area county in our list.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>4. Find a second bivalent booster shot through your health care provider\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you have health insurance, check with your provider to see whether they can already offer a second bivalent booster shot. If you don’t have health insurance but get medical care through a city- or county-run provider, you can check with that location. Remember that it may take a little while for providers to start offering second bivalent booster shots.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11924327/where-can-i-find-a-new-omicron-covid-booster-shot-near-me\">Read more about how to find a second bivalent booster shot for eligible people.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"tellus\">\u003c/a>Tell us: What else do you need information about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2023. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, practical explainers and guides about COVID\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11936674/how-to-prepare-for-this-weeks-atmospheric-river-storm-sandbags-emergency-kits-and-more\">how to cope with intense winter weather\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will make our reporting stronger, and help us decide what to cover here on our site, and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[hearken id=\"10483\" src=\"https://modules.wearehearken.com/kqed/embed/10483.js\"]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>For months, many people have been wondering, “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11941531/when-can-i-get-a-second-bivalent-covid-booster-heres-what-we-know-right-now\">When can I get a second bivalent COVID booster?\u003c/a>” — especially if they got their first bivalent booster seven months ago, in September 2022, back when these shots were first authorized.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have announced that as of Wednesday, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/s0419-covid-vaccines.html\">certain people who are at higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization or death from COVID can get a second bivalent booster shot\u003c/a> from Moderna or Pfizer — specifically, people age 65 and older, and people who are immunocompromised.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#findbooster\">Who can now get a second bivalent booster? \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>In a statement Wednesday, the CDC said that offering this second bivalent booster dose would offer “\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/s0419-covid-vaccines.html\">more flexibility for people at higher risk\u003c/a> who want the option of added protection from additional COVID-19 vaccine doses.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This decision came after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday amended the emergency use authorizations of the Moderna and Pfizer bivalent vaccines “to simplify the vaccination schedule for most individuals” — including offering these second booster doses to certain people. The CDC also agreed with the FDA that anyone who does not have their primary series of vaccines should now just go straight to a bivalent dose. \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/s0419-covid-vaccines.html\">The original monovalent COVID mRNA COVID vaccines will no longer be recommended\u003c/a> for use in the United States, the agency says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#findbooster\">Where can I find a second bivalent booster near me if I’m eligible?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#noteligiblebivalent\">I’m not eligible for a second bivalent booster yet. How long will I have to wait?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>“At this stage of the pandemic, data support simplifying the use of the authorized mRNA bivalent COVID-19 vaccines, and the agency believes that this approach will help encourage future vaccination,” said Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Who can get a second bivalent booster shot?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The FDA says the following groups of people can now get a second bivalent booster:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>People age 65 and older \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This age group can now get a second bivalent booster shot, as long as it’s been at least four months from their original bivalent shot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>People who are immunocompromised \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This group can get a second bivalent booster shot as long as it’s been at least \u003cem>two\u003c/em> months from their original bivalent shot.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Neither \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-changes-simplify-use-bivalent-mrna-covid-19-vaccines\">the FDA’s announcement\u003c/a> nor \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/s0419-covid-vaccines.html\">the CDC’s announcement\u003c/a> about second bivalent booster shots offers specifics about which conditions leading to a person being immunocompromised are included in this update. But on their site, the CDC says that \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html#immunocompromised\">you can be immunocompromised or have a weakened immune system because of a medical condition you have\u003c/a>, or because of a treatment you’re undergoing \u003cem>for\u003c/em> a medical condition.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html#immunocompromised\">According to the CDC, this includes people who\u003c/a>:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Have cancer and are on chemotherapy.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Have had a solid organ transplant, like a kidney or heart, and are taking medication to keep their transplant.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Must use certain types of medicines for a long time that weaken the immune system, like corticosteroids (because long-term uses can lead to secondary or acquired immunodeficiency).\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Have a weakened immune system because of “a life-long condition,” meaning they’ve inherited issues with their immune system.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>How do you prove you qualify for a second bivalent booster because you’re immunocompromised or otherwise have a weakened immune system? \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html\">The CDC says you can “self-attest\u003c/a> to your moderately or severely immunocompromised status, which means you do not need any documentation of your status to receive COVID-19 vaccine doses you might be eligible to receive.” That is, you don’t need to bring any proof of any medical conditions you have to your vaccination to receive the second bivalent booster. Instead, you’ll just be asked to sign a form saying that you are indeed eligible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re unsure whether you qualify, it’s a good idea to talk with your primary care provider if you have one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Be aware that the second bivalent booster shot recommendation for immunocompromised people \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-changes-simplify-use-bivalent-mrna-covid-19-vaccines\">does not include children age 6 months through 4 years\u003c/a>. For that age group, said the FDA, “eligibility for additional doses will depend on the vaccine previously received.” Consider speaking to your child’s health care provider about what’s being recommended in this situation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#tellus\">Tell us: What else do you need information about right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11941542\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11941542\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS63121_GettyImages-1240474358-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A Black woman wearing a blue surgical mask and a blue shirt faces the camera, leaning over to administer a vaccine to a person wearing a blue checked shirt, whose back is to the camera.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1209\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS63121_GettyImages-1240474358-qut.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS63121_GettyImages-1240474358-qut-800x504.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS63121_GettyImages-1240474358-qut-1020x642.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS63121_GettyImages-1240474358-qut-160x101.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS63121_GettyImages-1240474358-qut-1536x967.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Vocational Nurse Cleopatra Oniya administers the Pfizer booster shot at a COVID vaccination and testing site decorated for Cinco de Mayo at Ted Watkins Memorial Park in Los Angeles on May 5, 2022. \u003ccite>(Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Why should certain groups consider a second bivalent booster dose?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The groups that have been newly approved by the FDA for a second bivalent booster are at higher risk of severe disease, hospitalization or death from COVID. Depending on a person’s risk factors, this may be because they have a medical condition that places them at higher risk, or because their immune system may not have mounted a sufficient response to their primary vaccine series or their first bivalent booster.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The updated booster shots, called bivalent vaccines and sometimes “the omicron booster,” target both the original strain of the coronavirus and the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron subvariants that have largely evaded previous boosters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/cdc-omicron-booster-2nd-dose-older-adults-rcna79568\">As NBC News has reported\u003c/a>, BA.4 and BA.5 are no longer in circulation in the U.S., and almost 80% of current COVID cases in the United States are instead \u003ca href=\"https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions\">caused by the omicron subvariant XBB.1.5\u003c/a>, according to \u003ca href=\"https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant-proportions\">the CDC’s variant tracker\u003c/a>. But early data from the CDC still reported that getting a shot of the bivalent booster still \u003ca href=\"https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/updated-covid-boosters-cut-infection-risk-xbb15-subvariant-half-cdc-fi-rcna67313\">reduced the risk of COVID infection from this new subvariant by nearly half\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"noteligiblebivalent\">\u003c/a>I’m not eligible for a second bivalent booster shot yet. How long will I have to wait?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re not among one of the groups approved by the FDA for a second bivalent shot now, you’ll most likely have to wait until the fall.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, infectious disease expert at UCSF, told KQED in February that most healthy people who are up to date on their primary COVID vaccine series should probably expect to get another booster shot after about a year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“All roads lead to an annual COVID booster,” Chin-Hong said. “We know so far that immunity from the booster in general should last for about a year.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Back in January, the FDA convened a committee to propose \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11938916/fda-considers-major-shift-in-covid-vaccine-strategy\">reducing the schedule for the COVID vaccine for most people to a single annual dose\u003c/a> in the fall or winter — much like the flu shot. The agency now says it’ll hold a meeting of that same committee in June to discuss “the strain composition of the COVID-19 vaccines for fall of 2023.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That means there’s one potential plus of waiting longer to get your bivalent booster: Unlike the second bivalent booster that the FDA has just approved for certain groups, this dose later in 2023 may likely be updated to match whatever COVID variant is dominating at that time.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"findbooster\">\u003c/a>If I’m eligible, where can I find a second bivalent booster shot near me?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The first appointments for second doses of the bivalent booster for those who qualify will almost certainly become available at Bay Area pharmacies. This is because pharmacies take their guidance from the federal level.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Other vaccination sites in the Bay Area, like county-run locations, may have to wait a little longer, for the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup to approve second doses of the bivalent booster for these groups. Once this group of scientists approves the FDA and CDC’s decision, these boosters will be able to roll out far more widely across California (and Nevada, Oregon and Washington).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember that a certain location may only be offering a certain type of booster, whether that’s Moderna or Pfizer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>1. Find a second bivalent booster shot through a local pharmacy\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Several pharmacy chains are offering online appointments for the coronavirus vaccine booster, and some also offer walk-in boosters with no appointment:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine?icid=cvs-home-hero1-banner-1-link2-coronavirus-vaccine\">CVS COVID-19 vaccine appointments \u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/covid-qualifier?utm_source=state&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=Covid19&utm_content=Covid19scheduler_CA_2_12_21\">Rite Aid COVID-19 vaccine appointments\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.mhealthappointments.com/covidappt\">Safeway (Albertsons) COVID-19 vaccine appointments\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19?ban=covid_vaccine_landing_schedule\">Walgreens COVID-19 vaccine appointments\u003c/a>, or call (800) WALGREENS (800-925-4733)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://costcorx.appointment-plus.com/appointments/book?section=typeOfVaccine&workflow=default\">Costco’s COVID-19 vaccine appointments\u003cbr>\n\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>2. Find a second bivalent booster shot through My Turn\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://myturn.ca.gov/\">My Turn is the state’s tool\u003c/a> that allows Californians to schedule vaccination appointments, as supplies allow. You can also try to \u003ca href=\"https://myturn.ca.gov/clinic.html\">find a walk-in appointment through My Turn\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember that it may take a little while for My Turn to start offering second doses of the bivalent booster shot for eligible people.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When appointments do become available, you can \u003ca href=\"https://myturn.ca.gov/\">visit the My Turn page\u003c/a> and select “Make an Appointment.” My Turn will ask for your information, including the ZIP code or location you’d like to use to search for vaccine appointments. You can give your home location or input other locations to see which sites are available farther from home.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you can’t travel to a clinic for your booster shot because of health or transportation issues, you can note this when registering on My Turn, and representatives from the California Department of Public Health will call you to arrange an in-home visit or transportation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you don’t have an email address or a cellphone number, or you have questions, you can call the California COVID-19 hotline at (833) 422-4255 (Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–8 p.m. PT, Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.–5 p.m PT) and sign up over the phone. English-speaking and Spanish-speaking operators are available. Callers needing information in other languages will be connected to a translation service that offers assistance in over 250 languages.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11889661\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11889661\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2021/09/michigan_shot_gettyimages-1234850852-8f2a1402d5a0ab808313f55bdac52f950c8ad974-scaled-e1632414475184.jpg\" alt=\"Blue-gloved hands administer a vaccine into a shoulder.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rufus Peoples receives his booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine during an Oakland County Health Department vaccination clinic at the Southfield Pavilion on Aug. 24, 2021, in Southfield, Michigan. \u003ccite>(Emily Elconin/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>3. Find a second bivalent booster shot through your county\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11855623/where-can-i-get-a-covid-19-vaccine-in-the-bay-area-your-questions-answered#county\">Visit your county’s public health website\u003c/a> to learn how they are vaccinating their residents. Remember that it may take a little while for county-run vaccination sites to start offering second doses of the bivalent booster shot for eligible people — and that many counties may have closed several of their vaccination sites at this stage of the pandemic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11855623/where-can-i-get-a-covid-19-vaccine-in-the-bay-area-your-questions-answered#county\">Find your Bay Area county in our list.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>4. Find a second bivalent booster shot through your health care provider\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you have health insurance, check with your provider to see whether they can already offer a second bivalent booster shot. If you don’t have health insurance but get medical care through a city- or county-run provider, you can check with that location. Remember that it may take a little while for providers to start offering second bivalent booster shots.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11924327/where-can-i-find-a-new-omicron-covid-booster-shot-near-me\">Read more about how to find a second bivalent booster shot for eligible people.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"tellus\">\u003c/a>Tell us: What else do you need information about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2023. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, practical explainers and guides about COVID\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11936674/how-to-prepare-for-this-weeks-atmospheric-river-storm-sandbags-emergency-kits-and-more\">how to cope with intense winter weather\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will make our reporting stronger, and help us decide what to cover here on our site, and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "tax-deadline-2023-california-bay-area-extension",
"title": "Bay Area Tax Deadline: Yes, It's Been Extended to Oct. 16 (and Here's the Proof)",
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"headTitle": "Bay Area Tax Deadline: Yes, It’s Been Extended to Oct. 16 (and Here’s the Proof) | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>Updated 4:10 p.m. Friday\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Yes, for most Americans, Tax Day this year falls on Tuesday, April 18.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you live or own a business in the Bay Area, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11941996/federal-tax-deadline-moved-to-oct-16-for-california-disaster-areas-including-all-bay-area-counties\">the deadline to file and pay both your federal and state taxes has been extended to Oct. 16\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Not everyone is aware that the federal and state tax deadlines have been extended for the majority of California counties, including all nine Bay Area counties. So if you’re feeling nervous because there are only a few days left till April 18, keep reading for everything you need to know about the 2023 tax deadline extension — including why you’re not alone if you had no idea you could benefit from this extension.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>(And when you’re done, why not send this to someone else, so they know about the extension, too?)\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#taxdeadline\">Why you might choose to file your taxes as soon as possible anyway, regardless of the extension\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Why is the Bay Area getting this tax deadline extension?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In short, it’s because of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11941996/federal-tax-deadline-moved-to-oct-16-for-california-disaster-areas-including-all-bay-area-counties\">the severe winter storms that hit California from late December to early January\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many Californians had their homes and belongings devastated by these storms and by the flooding, landslides, mudslides and evacuations they caused. A \u003cem>Los Angeles Times\u003c/em> report estimated that \u003ca href=\"https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-01-10/california-storm-costs-could-add-up-to-nations-first-billion-dollar-disaster-of-2023#:~:text=California%20storm%20costs%20could%20add,floodwaters%20Tuesday%20in%20Merced%2C%20Calif.&text=As%20severe%20storms%20continue%20to,in%20excess%20of%20%241%20billion.\">this year’s winter storms have caused nearly $1 billion in damage\u003c/a>. This extension is intended as a form of tax relief for the majority of Californians, in light of those severe weather events.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For your reassurance, here are the three IRS announcements on the federal tax deadline extension that includes the Bay Area. After each serious storm event, the IRS listed the California counties that were affected each time. If a county was named in any of these three IRS announcements — as every one of the nine counties in the Bay Area was — it remains eligible for the federal tax extension:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Link: \u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-tax-relief-for-victims-of-severe-winter-storms-flooding-and-mudslides-in-california\">IRS announces tax relief for victims of severe winter storms, flooding, and mudslides in California (Jan. 10)\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Link: \u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-tax-relief-for-victims-of-severe-winter-storms-flooding-landslides-and-mudslides-in-california\">IRS announces tax relief for victims of severe winter storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides in California (Jan. 24)\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Link: \u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-provides-tax-relief-for-victims-of-severe-winter-storms-flooding-landslides-and-mudslides-in-california\">IRS provides tax relief for victims of severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides in California (March 17)\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>As for state taxes, here is the information from the California Franchise Tax Board on the state tax deadline extension for those California counties named in those IRS announcements, including the Bay Area:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Link: \u003ca href=\"https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/when-to-file/Emergency-tax-relief.html\">Emergency tax relief: Tax relief for disasters\u003c/a> \u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Gov. Gavin Newsom also explicitly named the nine Bay Area counties in \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/03/02/more-time-to-file-state-taxes-for-californians-impacted-by-december-and-january-winter-storms/\">his March 2 statement that California would be extending the filing and payment deadline\u003c/a> for state taxes as well as federal taxes, “aligning with the IRS.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What Bay Area counties get this automatic extension to file and pay their federal and state taxes?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>All of them: Every county in the nine-county Bay Area region will get this extension. That means if you live or own a business in one of the following Bay Area counties, you’ll automatically get the extension:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Alameda\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Contra Costa\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Marin\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Napa\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Santa Clara\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>San Mateo\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Solano\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Sonoma\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>And if you’re reading this outside the Bay Area, the full alphabetical list of California counties in which residents and businesses can receive an automatic extension is:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Lake, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, Ventura, Yolo, Yuba\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID=\"news_11943464\" hero=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/pexels-emma-bauso-2253879-1020x681.jpg\"]Another way of looking at it: \u003ca href=\"https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/when-to-file/Emergency-tax-relief.html\">The only California counties that \u003cem>aren’t\u003c/em> getting that extension\u003c/a> are Lassen, Modoc and Shasta.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Because the extension is granted automatically to everyone in the affected areas, there’s no application to fill out: The IRS and the state of California know where you live or own a business, so they will use that information to extend this relief to you. That said, \u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-may-15-tax-deadline-extended-to-oct-16-for-disaster-area-taxpayers-in-california-alabama-and-georgia\">if you do get a late filing or a late payment notice from the IRS before Oct. 16\u003c/a> and you live in an area that’s receiving the automatic extension, don’t panic. Just call the telephone number that’s on the notice, and the IRS says you can get the penalty wiped.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Do I get this automatic extension even if I didn’t lose anything in the winter storms?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Yes — you don’t need to have been directly affected by the winter storms to get this extension on your federal and state taxes, even though the storms are the reason for the extension.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This means that even if your home or your documents weren’t damaged during a storm, you still get the extension.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Despite this, Amy Spivey, visiting assistant professor and clinic director at UC College of the Law, San Francisco’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.uchastings.edu/academics/experiential-learning-opportunities/clinical-programs/low-income-taxpayer-clinic/\">Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic\u003c/a> says she hears a certain misconception a lot: people thinking that you have to be directly “affected” by the winter storms to benefit from the extension. “For example, their records were not personally lost or delayed by the storms, so they believe they were not ‘affected’ by the storms,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This, however, is false: Just by living in or owning a business in one of the nine Bay Area counties, federal and state authorities will count you as being “affected” by the storms. You won’t need to provide any evidence at the time of filing that you were affected by these storms.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>I had no idea there was an extension this year. When did this happen?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-may-15-tax-deadline-extended-to-oct-16-for-disaster-area-taxpayers-in-california-alabama-and-georgia\">The IRS announced the Oct. 16 extension for filing and paying federal taxes\u003c/a> for certain United States counties affected by winter storms — including the nine Bay Area counties — on Feb. 24. (Back in January, \u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-tax-relief-for-victims-of-severe-winter-storms-flooding-and-mudslides-in-california\">the IRS had initially only extended the deadline to May 15\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On March 2, Newsom’s office announced that California would follow the IRS’ lead and offer \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/03/02/more-time-to-file-state-taxes-for-californians-impacted-by-december-and-january-winter-storms/\">a similar extension for filing and paying state taxes\u003c/a> for residents and business owners in those same counties. On March 17, \u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-provides-tax-relief-for-victims-of-severe-winter-storms-flooding-landslides-and-mudslides-in-california\">the IRS added more California counties to the list of affected areas\u003c/a> that were now eligible for the extension, bringing the total to 55 counties out of 58.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#tellus\">Tell us: What else do you need information about right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>The IRS also has confirmed that if you live in one of the affected areas, \u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-may-15-tax-deadline-extended-to-oct-16-for-disaster-area-taxpayers-in-california-alabama-and-georgia\">you have until Oct. 16 to make 2022 contributions to your IRAs and health savings accounts\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you didn’t know that the Bay Area was getting an extension on filing and paying taxes this year, you’re not alone. In fact, “we are seeing this a lot,” said Spivey.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Spivey says that not only are many people in the Bay Area unaware that the deadline to both file and pay their federal and state taxes has been extended, but also those who do know are unaware it’s automatic and requires no action or application to receive it.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"taxdeadline\">\u003c/a>I haven’t filed my taxes yet. What are the pros of filing by April 18, even though I can get the extension?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>One big reason you might consider filing and paying your taxes by April 18: Doing so will make it possible to receive your refund earlier, if you’re eligible for one, says Spivey.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You may also be planning to apply for other credits, financial aid programs or benefits, which still require you to have filed your taxes by the original Tax Day of April 18, even if you qualify for the deadline extension. That said, some programs may have also recently changed their key dates to align with the federal and state tax extension (like San Francisco’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/services/financial-assistance/free-tax-help/working-families-credit-wfc\">working families credit for residents\u003c/a>, which has moved its application date to Oct. 16.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’ve already applied or are planning to apply for any financial aid programs in 2023 — like the \u003ca href=\"https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa\">Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)\u003c/a>, for example — be sure that waiting until Oct. 16 to file your taxes won’t interfere with your application.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One more reason you might consider filing by the original Tax Day: Spivey points out that many free \u003ca href=\"https://www.uchastings.edu/academics/pro-bono/vita/\">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) clinics\u003c/a>, including hers at UC College of the Law, San Francisco, are scheduled to close after April 18, meaning that “your options to get free filing help may be more limited if you wait” until after that date. To find free tax help after that date, Spivey recommends you visit:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://earnitkeepitsaveit.org\">\u003cstrong>United Way Bay Area’s Free Tax Help portal\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers\">\u003cstrong>The VITA site locator tool from the IRS\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"tellus\">\u003c/a>Tell us: What else do you need information about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2023. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, practical explainers and guides about COVID\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11936674/how-to-prepare-for-this-weeks-atmospheric-river-storm-sandbags-emergency-kits-and-more\">how to cope with intense winter weather\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will make our reporting stronger, and help us decide what to cover here on our site, and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[hearken id=\"10483\" src=\"https://modules.wearehearken.com/kqed/embed/10483.js\"]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story has been updated to reflect the IRS’s multiple announcements listing the California counties that will receive the Oct. 16 extension on filing and paying state and federal taxes, and that the only remaining counties that will not receive this extension are Lassen, Modoc, and Shasta. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "The 2023 federal and state tax deadlines have been extended if you live or own a business in most California counties. Here's everything you need to know about the extension, and what you need to do.",
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"title": "Bay Area Tax Deadline: Yes, It's Been Extended to Oct. 16 (and Here's the Proof) | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>Updated 4:10 p.m. Friday\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Yes, for most Americans, Tax Day this year falls on Tuesday, April 18.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you live or own a business in the Bay Area, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11941996/federal-tax-deadline-moved-to-oct-16-for-california-disaster-areas-including-all-bay-area-counties\">the deadline to file and pay both your federal and state taxes has been extended to Oct. 16\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Not everyone is aware that the federal and state tax deadlines have been extended for the majority of California counties, including all nine Bay Area counties. So if you’re feeling nervous because there are only a few days left till April 18, keep reading for everything you need to know about the 2023 tax deadline extension — including why you’re not alone if you had no idea you could benefit from this extension.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>(And when you’re done, why not send this to someone else, so they know about the extension, too?)\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#taxdeadline\">Why you might choose to file your taxes as soon as possible anyway, regardless of the extension\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Why is the Bay Area getting this tax deadline extension?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In short, it’s because of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11941996/federal-tax-deadline-moved-to-oct-16-for-california-disaster-areas-including-all-bay-area-counties\">the severe winter storms that hit California from late December to early January\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many Californians had their homes and belongings devastated by these storms and by the flooding, landslides, mudslides and evacuations they caused. A \u003cem>Los Angeles Times\u003c/em> report estimated that \u003ca href=\"https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-01-10/california-storm-costs-could-add-up-to-nations-first-billion-dollar-disaster-of-2023#:~:text=California%20storm%20costs%20could%20add,floodwaters%20Tuesday%20in%20Merced%2C%20Calif.&text=As%20severe%20storms%20continue%20to,in%20excess%20of%20%241%20billion.\">this year’s winter storms have caused nearly $1 billion in damage\u003c/a>. This extension is intended as a form of tax relief for the majority of Californians, in light of those severe weather events.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For your reassurance, here are the three IRS announcements on the federal tax deadline extension that includes the Bay Area. After each serious storm event, the IRS listed the California counties that were affected each time. If a county was named in any of these three IRS announcements — as every one of the nine counties in the Bay Area was — it remains eligible for the federal tax extension:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Link: \u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-tax-relief-for-victims-of-severe-winter-storms-flooding-and-mudslides-in-california\">IRS announces tax relief for victims of severe winter storms, flooding, and mudslides in California (Jan. 10)\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Link: \u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-tax-relief-for-victims-of-severe-winter-storms-flooding-landslides-and-mudslides-in-california\">IRS announces tax relief for victims of severe winter storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides in California (Jan. 24)\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Link: \u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-provides-tax-relief-for-victims-of-severe-winter-storms-flooding-landslides-and-mudslides-in-california\">IRS provides tax relief for victims of severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides in California (March 17)\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>As for state taxes, here is the information from the California Franchise Tax Board on the state tax deadline extension for those California counties named in those IRS announcements, including the Bay Area:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Link: \u003ca href=\"https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/when-to-file/Emergency-tax-relief.html\">Emergency tax relief: Tax relief for disasters\u003c/a> \u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Gov. Gavin Newsom also explicitly named the nine Bay Area counties in \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/03/02/more-time-to-file-state-taxes-for-californians-impacted-by-december-and-january-winter-storms/\">his March 2 statement that California would be extending the filing and payment deadline\u003c/a> for state taxes as well as federal taxes, “aligning with the IRS.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What Bay Area counties get this automatic extension to file and pay their federal and state taxes?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>All of them: Every county in the nine-county Bay Area region will get this extension. That means if you live or own a business in one of the following Bay Area counties, you’ll automatically get the extension:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Alameda\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Contra Costa\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Marin\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Napa\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Santa Clara\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>San Mateo\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Solano\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Sonoma\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>And if you’re reading this outside the Bay Area, the full alphabetical list of California counties in which residents and businesses can receive an automatic extension is:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Lake, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, Ventura, Yolo, Yuba\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Another way of looking at it: \u003ca href=\"https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/when-to-file/Emergency-tax-relief.html\">The only California counties that \u003cem>aren’t\u003c/em> getting that extension\u003c/a> are Lassen, Modoc and Shasta.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Because the extension is granted automatically to everyone in the affected areas, there’s no application to fill out: The IRS and the state of California know where you live or own a business, so they will use that information to extend this relief to you. That said, \u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-may-15-tax-deadline-extended-to-oct-16-for-disaster-area-taxpayers-in-california-alabama-and-georgia\">if you do get a late filing or a late payment notice from the IRS before Oct. 16\u003c/a> and you live in an area that’s receiving the automatic extension, don’t panic. Just call the telephone number that’s on the notice, and the IRS says you can get the penalty wiped.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Do I get this automatic extension even if I didn’t lose anything in the winter storms?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Yes — you don’t need to have been directly affected by the winter storms to get this extension on your federal and state taxes, even though the storms are the reason for the extension.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This means that even if your home or your documents weren’t damaged during a storm, you still get the extension.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Despite this, Amy Spivey, visiting assistant professor and clinic director at UC College of the Law, San Francisco’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.uchastings.edu/academics/experiential-learning-opportunities/clinical-programs/low-income-taxpayer-clinic/\">Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic\u003c/a> says she hears a certain misconception a lot: people thinking that you have to be directly “affected” by the winter storms to benefit from the extension. “For example, their records were not personally lost or delayed by the storms, so they believe they were not ‘affected’ by the storms,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This, however, is false: Just by living in or owning a business in one of the nine Bay Area counties, federal and state authorities will count you as being “affected” by the storms. You won’t need to provide any evidence at the time of filing that you were affected by these storms.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>I had no idea there was an extension this year. When did this happen?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-may-15-tax-deadline-extended-to-oct-16-for-disaster-area-taxpayers-in-california-alabama-and-georgia\">The IRS announced the Oct. 16 extension for filing and paying federal taxes\u003c/a> for certain United States counties affected by winter storms — including the nine Bay Area counties — on Feb. 24. (Back in January, \u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-tax-relief-for-victims-of-severe-winter-storms-flooding-and-mudslides-in-california\">the IRS had initially only extended the deadline to May 15\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On March 2, Newsom’s office announced that California would follow the IRS’ lead and offer \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/03/02/more-time-to-file-state-taxes-for-californians-impacted-by-december-and-january-winter-storms/\">a similar extension for filing and paying state taxes\u003c/a> for residents and business owners in those same counties. On March 17, \u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-provides-tax-relief-for-victims-of-severe-winter-storms-flooding-landslides-and-mudslides-in-california\">the IRS added more California counties to the list of affected areas\u003c/a> that were now eligible for the extension, bringing the total to 55 counties out of 58.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#tellus\">Tell us: What else do you need information about right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>The IRS also has confirmed that if you live in one of the affected areas, \u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-may-15-tax-deadline-extended-to-oct-16-for-disaster-area-taxpayers-in-california-alabama-and-georgia\">you have until Oct. 16 to make 2022 contributions to your IRAs and health savings accounts\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you didn’t know that the Bay Area was getting an extension on filing and paying taxes this year, you’re not alone. In fact, “we are seeing this a lot,” said Spivey.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Spivey says that not only are many people in the Bay Area unaware that the deadline to both file and pay their federal and state taxes has been extended, but also those who do know are unaware it’s automatic and requires no action or application to receive it.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"taxdeadline\">\u003c/a>I haven’t filed my taxes yet. What are the pros of filing by April 18, even though I can get the extension?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>One big reason you might consider filing and paying your taxes by April 18: Doing so will make it possible to receive your refund earlier, if you’re eligible for one, says Spivey.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You may also be planning to apply for other credits, financial aid programs or benefits, which still require you to have filed your taxes by the original Tax Day of April 18, even if you qualify for the deadline extension. That said, some programs may have also recently changed their key dates to align with the federal and state tax extension (like San Francisco’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/services/financial-assistance/free-tax-help/working-families-credit-wfc\">working families credit for residents\u003c/a>, which has moved its application date to Oct. 16.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’ve already applied or are planning to apply for any financial aid programs in 2023 — like the \u003ca href=\"https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa\">Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)\u003c/a>, for example — be sure that waiting until Oct. 16 to file your taxes won’t interfere with your application.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One more reason you might consider filing by the original Tax Day: Spivey points out that many free \u003ca href=\"https://www.uchastings.edu/academics/pro-bono/vita/\">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) clinics\u003c/a>, including hers at UC College of the Law, San Francisco, are scheduled to close after April 18, meaning that “your options to get free filing help may be more limited if you wait” until after that date. To find free tax help after that date, Spivey recommends you visit:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://earnitkeepitsaveit.org\">\u003cstrong>United Way Bay Area’s Free Tax Help portal\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers\">\u003cstrong>The VITA site locator tool from the IRS\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"tellus\">\u003c/a>Tell us: What else do you need information about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2023. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, practical explainers and guides about COVID\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11936674/how-to-prepare-for-this-weeks-atmospheric-river-storm-sandbags-emergency-kits-and-more\">how to cope with intense winter weather\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will make our reporting stronger, and help us decide what to cover here on our site, and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story has been updated to reflect the IRS’s multiple announcements listing the California counties that will receive the Oct. 16 extension on filing and paying state and federal taxes, and that the only remaining counties that will not receive this extension are Lassen, Modoc, and Shasta. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.vox.com/2020/2/28/21157769/how-to-prevent-the-coronavirus\">Online handwashing tutorials.\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/14/technology/coronavirus-purell-wipes-amazon-sellers.html\">Hand sanitizer hoarding.\u003c/a> And in every public bathroom, signage urging you to wash your hands to slow the spread of the coronavirus.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It may be hard to believe now — after over three years of passionate conversations about masking — but when the COVID pandemic first hit in 2020, vigilant hand hygiene was positioned alongside social distancing as a key measure in the fight to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2 around the country. And while it’s true that conversations about hand hygiene haven’t entirely vanished — just look at the laminated 2020-era handwashing posters you’ll still see in many public bathrooms around the Bay Area — “wash your hands” has undoubtedly receded as a core public health message at this point in the pandemic, in favor of masking, vaccination and booster shots.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But as we continue into Year Four of the COVID pandemic, should handwashing be something we keep in mind for our daily health?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The short answer is: absolutely — but it’s no longer really about COVID. Keep reading for the science behind those 2020 recommendations, the kinds of illnesses that handwashing can help protect you against and how useful hand sanitizer really is.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Why was handwashing such a big thing when the pandemic first hit?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>To understand why hand hygiene was so emphasized in the first weeks of the pandemic, it’s crucial to understand just how little was initially known about the coronavirus, says Dr. John Swartzberg, clinical professor emeritus of the Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology division at UC Berkeley.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#tellus\">Tell us: What else are you wondering about COVID?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>“In March of 2020, we didn’t really know much about how this brand-new virus was transmitted,” said Swartzberg. “And we assumed that it was transmitted like other respiratory viruses, probably just by droplets, maybe by air, but probably just droplets.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the absence of initial research, the medical community “said the basic things about transmission of respiratory viruses,” said Swartzberg. “Many of them were transmitted by inanimate objects, what we call fomites. And so, therefore, handwashing would be very important.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11946331\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-11946331\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/04/RS64473_IMG_4163-qut-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"A poster taped to a beige bathroom stall wall that reads WASH YOUR HANDS! STOP THE SPREAD! and gives pictorial instructions for handwashing below\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/04/RS64473_IMG_4163-qut-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/04/RS64473_IMG_4163-qut-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/04/RS64473_IMG_4163-qut-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/04/RS64473_IMG_4163-qut-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/04/RS64473_IMG_4163-qut.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">In 2020, signs urging people to wash their hands to ‘stop the spread’ of COVID went up in public bathrooms around the country — and stayed up. \u003ccite>(Carly Severn/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“We didn’t know that in terms of any science to support that. Just like we didn’t know that SARS-CoV-2 is primarily transmitted as an airborne virus, but also can be droplets,” said Swartzberg.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another reason handwashing was so initially emphasized, says Swartzberg, was based on the earliest research on the coronavirus and fomites — that is, those surfaces and objects that could carry the virus.[pullquote size='medium' align='right']Tip: An object or surface that a virus can live on is called a ‘fomite.’[/pullquote]He notes that early research in spring 2020 indicated that SARS-CoV-2 could survive anywhere from a few hours to as much as 36 hours on a surface — “and so because of that, the assumption was, ‘Well, if it can survive on fomites for hours to days, then therefore we ought to make sure that we wash our hands frequently because we could get a viable virus on our hands.’”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But all of this begs the next question …\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Does handwashing actually help safeguard against COVID?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In short: While handwashing is almost never a bad thing, it’s probably not going to reduce your chances of getting COVID.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As what scientists knew about the coronavirus evolved in 2020, and consensus emerged that this was an airborne virus that could also be spread by droplets in the air, mask-wearing emerged as the most effective way to protect oneself from COVID. By July 2020, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/p0714-americans-to-wear-masks.html\">the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was urging people across the nation to wear masks\u003c/a> — albeit cloth ones, which have since been proven to be far less effective than N95s at reducing COVID risks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After all the emphasis on fomites — and all those 2020 videos showing how to clean your groceries — this kind of transmission ultimately remained something that had “just made sense” to people initially, said Swartzberg, “but no one ever demonstrated that it was transmitted that way.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The medical community was still concerned about the coronavirus getting onto your mucous membranes, like inside your nose and mouth, says Swartzberg — but masks soon became seen as the most effective way to protect those parts of your body, not handwashing. It’s not that washing didn’t remove COVID risks from your hands, per se; it’s more that pathogens were far more busy trying to invade your body through aerosol and droplet transmission from the air. And by January 2022, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/p0714-americans-to-wear-masks.html\">a well-fitted N95 mask was being recommended by the CDC\u003c/a> as offering the “highest level of protection” from the particles that cause COVID.[pullquote size='medium' align='right']Tip: Vaccines, bivalent boosters and a well-fitted N95 mask remain the most effective ways of protecting yourself against COVID.[/pullquote]Of course, as Swartzberg notes, “an absence of evidence doesn’t mean there’s evidence of absence” — meaning, there is no evidence that surface transmission \u003cem>hasn’t\u003c/em> been the way some people have gotten COVID over the last three years. This is echoed by UCSF infectious disease specialist Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, who notes that someone with a job that raises their chances of COVID exposure through surfaces — say, a teacher in close quarters with coughing kindergartners — might still have a higher chance of COVID infection from fomites than the average person represented in studies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The fact remains: If you want to protect yourself against COVID, focus more on getting your primary vaccination series if you haven’t already, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11924327/where-can-i-find-a-new-omicron-covid-booster-shot-near-me\">getting a bivalent booster\u003c/a> and wearing a well-fitted N95 mask in poorly ventilated or crowded spaces, especially during a COVID surge in your region. But just because handwashing wasn’t the key to stopping the spread of COVID doesn’t mean it can’t help fight the causes of many other nasty illnesses.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Which leads us to …\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What viruses does handwashing help fight?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Handwashing has been “revered” for many years in the health care field, said Chin-Hong, “because there’s so much ample evidence showing that it not just prevents infections, but it actually saves lives in hospitalized patients” when health care workers practice good hand hygiene to reduce the risks of infection.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“COVID is not the only game in town anymore,” said Chin-Hong. “I think washing your hands should have a big comeback, because we have a big diversity of things that affect people now” when it comes to infections. Ultimately, “washing hands will save you a lot of grief,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So what viruses, bacteria and illnesses can handwashing protect you from?[pullquote size='medium' align='right']Tip: The common cold, norovirus and salmonella are just some of the — unpleasant — sicknesses that handwashing can really help protect you against.[/pullquote]The rhinovirus — the most common cause of the common cold — is one of those viruses that’s “transmitted easily by inanimate objects,” said Swartzberg, referring to when you touch a fomite and then touch your face. (Something you might not expect: As for the flu, Swartzberg says the jury’s still out: Even though scientists have known about the influenza virus for almost a century, “there is still a debate as to whether handwashing makes a difference with that virus,” he said.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The common cold aside, your risks of even more unpleasant illnesses can be raised by you neglecting to wash your hands — and very unpleasant gastrointestinal infections are ripe for transmission through unwashed hands. \u003ca href=\"https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/health/norovirus-surge/3157809/\">Cases of norovirus — a highly contagious virus that causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea — surged\u003c/a> in February within the Bay Area, and as recently as late March, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/CAHAN/Elevated-Norovirus-Activity-in-California-.aspx\">California health officials have warned of “elevated norovirus activity”\u003c/a> around the state. \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/shigella/symptoms.html\">The bacterial infections shigella\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/index.html\">salmonella\u003c/a>, which both are also characterized by diarrhea as well as stomach pain and fever, are often transmitted from surfaces via unwashed hands.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>So when should I be washing my hands?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In a public bathroom, for starters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s because if someone has an enteric infection — that is, a bacterial sickness that’s entered their gut — they’re likely to be in the bathroom more often, explained Swartzberg, saying “and so bathrooms are likely places where you’re more likely to find enteric pathogens.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A good rule of thumb when you’re out in public, advises Swartzberg, is to ask, have a lot of other hands been where my hands are right now? If so, it’s probably a good idea to wash your hands. Think: straps on BART, poles on Muni, frequently handled items in the grocery store. But “if you’re touching something that’s rarely touched by somebody else, it makes it less, far less important” to run to wash your hands straightaway, said Swartzberg.[pullquote size='medium' align='right']Tip: Don’t ever skip washing your hands in the bathroom, especially a public one.[/pullquote]That said, Swartzberg doesn’t want his advice to prompt people to take their hand hygiene too far. “While cleanliness is always a good, reasonable thing to strive for, obsessiveness with cleanliness is probably not only unnecessary, but perhaps not a good idea,” he advised.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What’s the best way to wash my hands?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>It’s especially important to \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html\">wash your hands before and after preparing or eating food, using the bathroom or touching garbage\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To wash your hands effectively, lather them with soap and running water, and scrub for at least 20 seconds. The lathering action of handwashing is so you create friction on your hands, which helps lift dirt and microbes off your skin. Try your best to dry your hands afterward, because germs have an easier time being transferred to and from wet hands.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Do you need to use antibacterial soap? No: \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-handwashing.html\">The CDC says that studies indicate there’s “no added health benefit for consumers”\u003c/a> for using antibacterial soap over regular soap if you’re not a health care professional. So go ahead and just use plain soap, which the CDC says is enough to achieve \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-handwashing.html\">the end goal of handwashing\u003c/a>: lifting dirt and microbes from your skin and washing them off your hands. Read \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html\">the CDC’s guide to effectively washing your hands\u003c/a>, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-handwashing.html\">the science behind the agency’s handwashing recommendations\u003c/a>.[pullquote size='medium' align='right']Tip: You don’t need antibacterial soap to effectively wash your hands — regular soap is just as effective.[/pullquote]For his part, Swartzberg says he thinks antibacterial soaps shouldn’t even be on the market, saying there’s a “strong argument against them” not just because of the potential for contributing to microbial resistance, but because \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/antibacterial-soap-you-can-skip-it-use-plain-soap-and-water\">“some of these products may have toxicities.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Finally: What about hand sanitizer?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Of all the many now-bizarre memories from the early stages of the COVID outbreak, the hoarding and price gouging around hand sanitizer — a type of antiseptic that can help kill pathogens on your hands — might be one of the most indelible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The placement of sanitizer dispensers and pumps in places you wouldn’t previously have seen them is one of the lasting effects of the COVID pandemic. But in 2023, should using hand sanitizer still play a role in our daily lives?[pullquote size='medium' align='right']Tip: Hand sanitizer is a great option when you physically can’t wash your hands — but it’s not effective against all types of viruses.[/pullquote]Absolutely, says Swartzberg, who notes that these hand sanitizers “play an important role in limiting the transmission of some pathogenic microorganisms.” Washing your hands well for at least 20 seconds with soap is best, but that’s “not always practical,” said Swartzberg, adding, “As long as your hands are free of visible dirt, hand sanitizers will kill many of the microorganisms that can make us sick.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That said, Swartzberg noted, hand sanitizers “don’t do a very good job killing norovirus.” This is one of the reasons the CDC suggests you should use “an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol” when you can’t wash your hands, but not as an alternative to handwashing if both options are available.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So, as useful as hand sanitizer can be in certain scenarios — for example, after using a park bathroom with no running water — be aware that it can’t protect you against every bug out there, and that washing your hands is always your safest bet.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"tellus\">\u003c/a>Tell us: What else do you need information about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2023. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, practical explainers and guides about COVID\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11936674/how-to-prepare-for-this-weeks-atmospheric-river-storm-sandbags-emergency-kits-and-more\">how to cope with intense winter weather\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will make our reporting stronger, and help us decide what to cover here on our site, and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[hearken id=\"10483\" src=\"https://modules.wearehearken.com/kqed/embed/10483.js\"]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.vox.com/2020/2/28/21157769/how-to-prevent-the-coronavirus\">Online handwashing tutorials.\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/14/technology/coronavirus-purell-wipes-amazon-sellers.html\">Hand sanitizer hoarding.\u003c/a> And in every public bathroom, signage urging you to wash your hands to slow the spread of the coronavirus.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It may be hard to believe now — after over three years of passionate conversations about masking — but when the COVID pandemic first hit in 2020, vigilant hand hygiene was positioned alongside social distancing as a key measure in the fight to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2 around the country. And while it’s true that conversations about hand hygiene haven’t entirely vanished — just look at the laminated 2020-era handwashing posters you’ll still see in many public bathrooms around the Bay Area — “wash your hands” has undoubtedly receded as a core public health message at this point in the pandemic, in favor of masking, vaccination and booster shots.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But as we continue into Year Four of the COVID pandemic, should handwashing be something we keep in mind for our daily health?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The short answer is: absolutely — but it’s no longer really about COVID. Keep reading for the science behind those 2020 recommendations, the kinds of illnesses that handwashing can help protect you against and how useful hand sanitizer really is.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Why was handwashing such a big thing when the pandemic first hit?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>To understand why hand hygiene was so emphasized in the first weeks of the pandemic, it’s crucial to understand just how little was initially known about the coronavirus, says Dr. John Swartzberg, clinical professor emeritus of the Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology division at UC Berkeley.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#tellus\">Tell us: What else are you wondering about COVID?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>“In March of 2020, we didn’t really know much about how this brand-new virus was transmitted,” said Swartzberg. “And we assumed that it was transmitted like other respiratory viruses, probably just by droplets, maybe by air, but probably just droplets.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the absence of initial research, the medical community “said the basic things about transmission of respiratory viruses,” said Swartzberg. “Many of them were transmitted by inanimate objects, what we call fomites. And so, therefore, handwashing would be very important.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11946331\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-11946331\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/04/RS64473_IMG_4163-qut-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"A poster taped to a beige bathroom stall wall that reads WASH YOUR HANDS! STOP THE SPREAD! and gives pictorial instructions for handwashing below\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/04/RS64473_IMG_4163-qut-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/04/RS64473_IMG_4163-qut-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/04/RS64473_IMG_4163-qut-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/04/RS64473_IMG_4163-qut-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/04/RS64473_IMG_4163-qut.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">In 2020, signs urging people to wash their hands to ‘stop the spread’ of COVID went up in public bathrooms around the country — and stayed up. \u003ccite>(Carly Severn/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“We didn’t know that in terms of any science to support that. Just like we didn’t know that SARS-CoV-2 is primarily transmitted as an airborne virus, but also can be droplets,” said Swartzberg.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another reason handwashing was so initially emphasized, says Swartzberg, was based on the earliest research on the coronavirus and fomites — that is, those surfaces and objects that could carry the virus.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "Tip: An object or surface that a virus can live on is called a ‘fomite.’",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>He notes that early research in spring 2020 indicated that SARS-CoV-2 could survive anywhere from a few hours to as much as 36 hours on a surface — “and so because of that, the assumption was, ‘Well, if it can survive on fomites for hours to days, then therefore we ought to make sure that we wash our hands frequently because we could get a viable virus on our hands.’”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But all of this begs the next question …\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Does handwashing actually help safeguard against COVID?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In short: While handwashing is almost never a bad thing, it’s probably not going to reduce your chances of getting COVID.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As what scientists knew about the coronavirus evolved in 2020, and consensus emerged that this was an airborne virus that could also be spread by droplets in the air, mask-wearing emerged as the most effective way to protect oneself from COVID. By July 2020, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/p0714-americans-to-wear-masks.html\">the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was urging people across the nation to wear masks\u003c/a> — albeit cloth ones, which have since been proven to be far less effective than N95s at reducing COVID risks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After all the emphasis on fomites — and all those 2020 videos showing how to clean your groceries — this kind of transmission ultimately remained something that had “just made sense” to people initially, said Swartzberg, “but no one ever demonstrated that it was transmitted that way.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The medical community was still concerned about the coronavirus getting onto your mucous membranes, like inside your nose and mouth, says Swartzberg — but masks soon became seen as the most effective way to protect those parts of your body, not handwashing. It’s not that washing didn’t remove COVID risks from your hands, per se; it’s more that pathogens were far more busy trying to invade your body through aerosol and droplet transmission from the air. And by January 2022, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/p0714-americans-to-wear-masks.html\">a well-fitted N95 mask was being recommended by the CDC\u003c/a> as offering the “highest level of protection” from the particles that cause COVID.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "Tip: Vaccines, bivalent boosters and a well-fitted N95 mask remain the most effective ways of protecting yourself against COVID.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Of course, as Swartzberg notes, “an absence of evidence doesn’t mean there’s evidence of absence” — meaning, there is no evidence that surface transmission \u003cem>hasn’t\u003c/em> been the way some people have gotten COVID over the last three years. This is echoed by UCSF infectious disease specialist Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, who notes that someone with a job that raises their chances of COVID exposure through surfaces — say, a teacher in close quarters with coughing kindergartners — might still have a higher chance of COVID infection from fomites than the average person represented in studies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The fact remains: If you want to protect yourself against COVID, focus more on getting your primary vaccination series if you haven’t already, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11924327/where-can-i-find-a-new-omicron-covid-booster-shot-near-me\">getting a bivalent booster\u003c/a> and wearing a well-fitted N95 mask in poorly ventilated or crowded spaces, especially during a COVID surge in your region. But just because handwashing wasn’t the key to stopping the spread of COVID doesn’t mean it can’t help fight the causes of many other nasty illnesses.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Which leads us to …\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What viruses does handwashing help fight?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Handwashing has been “revered” for many years in the health care field, said Chin-Hong, “because there’s so much ample evidence showing that it not just prevents infections, but it actually saves lives in hospitalized patients” when health care workers practice good hand hygiene to reduce the risks of infection.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“COVID is not the only game in town anymore,” said Chin-Hong. “I think washing your hands should have a big comeback, because we have a big diversity of things that affect people now” when it comes to infections. Ultimately, “washing hands will save you a lot of grief,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So what viruses, bacteria and illnesses can handwashing protect you from?\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "Tip: The common cold, norovirus and salmonella are just some of the — unpleasant — sicknesses that handwashing can really help protect you against.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>The rhinovirus — the most common cause of the common cold — is one of those viruses that’s “transmitted easily by inanimate objects,” said Swartzberg, referring to when you touch a fomite and then touch your face. (Something you might not expect: As for the flu, Swartzberg says the jury’s still out: Even though scientists have known about the influenza virus for almost a century, “there is still a debate as to whether handwashing makes a difference with that virus,” he said.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The common cold aside, your risks of even more unpleasant illnesses can be raised by you neglecting to wash your hands — and very unpleasant gastrointestinal infections are ripe for transmission through unwashed hands. \u003ca href=\"https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/health/norovirus-surge/3157809/\">Cases of norovirus — a highly contagious virus that causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea — surged\u003c/a> in February within the Bay Area, and as recently as late March, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/CAHAN/Elevated-Norovirus-Activity-in-California-.aspx\">California health officials have warned of “elevated norovirus activity”\u003c/a> around the state. \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/shigella/symptoms.html\">The bacterial infections shigella\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/index.html\">salmonella\u003c/a>, which both are also characterized by diarrhea as well as stomach pain and fever, are often transmitted from surfaces via unwashed hands.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>So when should I be washing my hands?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In a public bathroom, for starters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s because if someone has an enteric infection — that is, a bacterial sickness that’s entered their gut — they’re likely to be in the bathroom more often, explained Swartzberg, saying “and so bathrooms are likely places where you’re more likely to find enteric pathogens.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A good rule of thumb when you’re out in public, advises Swartzberg, is to ask, have a lot of other hands been where my hands are right now? If so, it’s probably a good idea to wash your hands. Think: straps on BART, poles on Muni, frequently handled items in the grocery store. But “if you’re touching something that’s rarely touched by somebody else, it makes it less, far less important” to run to wash your hands straightaway, said Swartzberg.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>That said, Swartzberg doesn’t want his advice to prompt people to take their hand hygiene too far. “While cleanliness is always a good, reasonable thing to strive for, obsessiveness with cleanliness is probably not only unnecessary, but perhaps not a good idea,” he advised.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What’s the best way to wash my hands?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>It’s especially important to \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html\">wash your hands before and after preparing or eating food, using the bathroom or touching garbage\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To wash your hands effectively, lather them with soap and running water, and scrub for at least 20 seconds. The lathering action of handwashing is so you create friction on your hands, which helps lift dirt and microbes off your skin. Try your best to dry your hands afterward, because germs have an easier time being transferred to and from wet hands.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Do you need to use antibacterial soap? No: \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-handwashing.html\">The CDC says that studies indicate there’s “no added health benefit for consumers”\u003c/a> for using antibacterial soap over regular soap if you’re not a health care professional. So go ahead and just use plain soap, which the CDC says is enough to achieve \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-handwashing.html\">the end goal of handwashing\u003c/a>: lifting dirt and microbes from your skin and washing them off your hands. Read \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html\">the CDC’s guide to effectively washing your hands\u003c/a>, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-handwashing.html\">the science behind the agency’s handwashing recommendations\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "Tip: You don’t need antibacterial soap to effectively wash your hands — regular soap is just as effective.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>For his part, Swartzberg says he thinks antibacterial soaps shouldn’t even be on the market, saying there’s a “strong argument against them” not just because of the potential for contributing to microbial resistance, but because \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/antibacterial-soap-you-can-skip-it-use-plain-soap-and-water\">“some of these products may have toxicities.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Finally: What about hand sanitizer?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Of all the many now-bizarre memories from the early stages of the COVID outbreak, the hoarding and price gouging around hand sanitizer — a type of antiseptic that can help kill pathogens on your hands — might be one of the most indelible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The placement of sanitizer dispensers and pumps in places you wouldn’t previously have seen them is one of the lasting effects of the COVID pandemic. But in 2023, should using hand sanitizer still play a role in our daily lives?\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "Tip: Hand sanitizer is a great option when you physically can’t wash your hands — but it’s not effective against all types of viruses.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Absolutely, says Swartzberg, who notes that these hand sanitizers “play an important role in limiting the transmission of some pathogenic microorganisms.” Washing your hands well for at least 20 seconds with soap is best, but that’s “not always practical,” said Swartzberg, adding, “As long as your hands are free of visible dirt, hand sanitizers will kill many of the microorganisms that can make us sick.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That said, Swartzberg noted, hand sanitizers “don’t do a very good job killing norovirus.” This is one of the reasons the CDC suggests you should use “an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol” when you can’t wash your hands, but not as an alternative to handwashing if both options are available.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So, as useful as hand sanitizer can be in certain scenarios — for example, after using a park bathroom with no running water — be aware that it can’t protect you against every bug out there, and that washing your hands is always your safest bet.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"tellus\">\u003c/a>Tell us: What else do you need information about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2023. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, practical explainers and guides about COVID\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11936674/how-to-prepare-for-this-weeks-atmospheric-river-storm-sandbags-emergency-kits-and-more\">how to cope with intense winter weather\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will make our reporting stronger, and help us decide what to cover here on our site, and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"title": "College Students: Your CalFresh Eligibility Is About to Change. Here's What to Do",
"headTitle": "College Students: Your CalFresh Eligibility Is About to Change. Here’s What to Do | KQED",
"content": "\u003cp>During the pandemic, more California students have been able to use\u003ca href=\"https://www.getcalfresh.org/\"> CalFresh food benefits\u003c/a>, the state’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) also known as “food stamps.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now, that \u003ca href=\"https://cdss.ca.gov/calfreshcovid19\">federal program, which widened the eligibility for college students\u003c/a> needing food assistance during the pandemic — and also raised those benefits for many — is coming to an end. But you still have time to sign up to secure another year of food benefits — and student advocates and financial aid experts say now is the time to do so.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#whoeligiblecalfreshstudent\">Who is eligible for CalFresh after June 10?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#howapplycalfreshstudent\">How do I apply before June 10 to keep CalFresh?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>“People often don’t know that they are eligible, and if they do know they are eligible, they might not apply because the application is intimidating or they put it off. But it takes 15 minutes, and it is worth the effort,” said Ginnie Tran, CalFresh outreach coordinator for Cal State University, East Bay. “I used it personally when I was in college and was able to help myself and my roommates get groceries.”[pullquote size='medium' align='right']Tip: Put a reminder on your calendar for June 9, the last day you can apply to CalFresh as a student under the widened pandemic-era eligibility rules. Starting June 10, far fewer students will be eligible.[/pullquote]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During the pandemic,\u003ca href=\"https://cdss.ca.gov/calfreshcovid19\"> CalFresh provided \u003cem>all\u003c/em> eligible students with $281 a month for food and groceries\u003c/a>, Tran said. \u003ca href=\"https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/13/CFF-COVID/student-exemptions-flyer-en.pdf\">That changes on June 10 (PDF)\u003c/a>, after which applications will fall under the pre-pandemic regulations, which provide between $25 and $281, depending on income and other individual factors. Not only is the amount offered to students going to fall, but who’s eligible for CalFresh as a student is also changing. \u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#whoeligiblecalfreshstudent\">How do I know if I qualify for CalFresh now? \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/data-portal/research-and-data/calfresh-data-dashboard\">Over 3 million households across the state rely on CalFresh.\u003c/a> That includes more than 127,000 students across the California State University system.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But many students who are eligible for CalFresh aren’t receiving the support they are entitled to. Somewhere \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Leg/202006-SB-77-CalFresh-Student-Data-Report.pdf\">between 416,000 and 700,000 California college students qualified for CalFresh benefits under the permanent rules during the 2018–19 school year (PDF)\u003c/a>, according to a June 2020 state report. But only 127,360 students applied and received assistance the same year, the report shows.[aside postID=news_11943420 hero='https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/GettyImages-1144627849-1020x680.jpg']Just 10% of community college students, 12% of UC undergraduate students and 4% of UC graduate students were enrolled in CalFresh through the 2019–2020 academic year, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.capolicylab.org/california-community-college-and-university-of-california-student-participation-in-calfresh-food-benefits/\">data from the California Policy Lab\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here’s what you need to know about upcoming changes to student CalFresh benefits, and what to do if you’re a student who’s affected.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Why are CalFresh benefits changing?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The federal government is \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/california-divide/2023/03/calfresh-college-students/\">ending a pandemic-era food assistance program where SNAP expanded benefits\u003c/a> to include students who are eligible for \u003ca href=\"https://www.calstate.edu/attend/paying-for-college/financial-aid/types/Pages/work-study.aspx\">federal or state work study\u003c/a> — a federal program that provides jobs for students with financial need — or whose families cannot afford to contribute any money to their tuition. These were called temporary student exemptions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#tellus\">Tell us: What else do you need information about right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>The change is tied to \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2023/01/31/1152739780/biden-plans-to-end-the-covid-19-national-emergency-on-may-11\">the end of the national public health emergency order for COVID-19 on May 11\u003c/a>, causing \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11941075/californias-covid-emergency-ends-feb-28-what-does-that-actually-mean-for-you\">numerous state and federal pandemic relief programs to wind down\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The temporary student exemptions expire on June 10, so the last day that students can apply for CalFresh and still receive the pandemic-era benefits is June 9, 2023. Starting June 10, any students applying will be subject to the new eligibility rules (more on this below).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“A significant number of students will be affected” by the upcoming eligibility shift, Tran said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"whoeligiblecalfreshstudent\">\u003c/a>I’m a student on CalFresh right now. How do I know if I still qualify?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Beginning July 2023, only students who meet \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Forms-and-Brochures/2020/A-D/CF6177.pdf?ver=2021-10-22-160250-313\">what’s known as a “permanent exemption” (PDF)\u003c/a> will continue to qualify for CalFresh when they go through the recertification process. That includes students with physical or mental disabilities that affect their ability to work, some students with children, working students and students who are not expecting to enroll in their next term. \u003ca href=\"https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/13/CFF-COVID/student-exemptions-flyer-en.pdf\">See the California Department of Social Services list of permanent student exemptions for CalFresh (PDF).\u003c/a>[pullquote size='medium' align='right']Tip: If you’re a student already on CalFresh, you don’t need to do anything until your next recertification to keep your benefits for now.[/pullquote]This means that starting in July, many of those students who qualified for CalFresh during the pandemic under one of the temporary student exemptions will no longer qualify when they recertify. According to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), the state body that administers CalFresh, if you were approved for CalFresh under one of the temporary student exemptions, you don’t need to do anything to keep your benefits until your next recertification. But to \u003cem>keep\u003c/em> those benefits, you’ll have to meet \u003ca href=\"https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/13/CFF-COVID/student-exemptions-flyer-en.pdf\">one of the permanent student exemptions (PDF)\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>About 2 in 5 college students are still eligible for CalFresh under the new rules starting in July, “but awareness is a lot lower than that,” said Tran. “I would encourage everyone to apply. You don’t get penalized if you apply and aren’t approved.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you aren’t sure, contact your school’s CalFresh coordinator or county human services agency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"howapplycalfreshstudent\">\u003c/a>I’m a student and I think I qualify. How do I apply for CalFresh?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>There are several avenues students can take to apply. Eligible students must typically recertify for CalFresh every year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The easiest way for most students is to \u003ca href=\"https://www.getcalfresh.org/?source=csueb\">fill out an application for CalFresh at getcalfresh.org\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The majority of California counties also have adopted \u003ca href=\"https://benefitscal.com/\">a new website called BenefitsCal.com\u003c/a>. In the Bay Area, counties \u003cem>not\u003c/em> using this site yet are Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Solano and Sonoma, so students within those areas will be prompted through BenefitsCal.com to visit their county’s own website and will be provided with that link. All California counties are expected to host applications through the website by November 2023.[pullquote size='medium' align='right']Tip: Your school may have help and resources for CalFresh applications and other food assistance options. Reach out to your school’s CalFresh coordinator.[/pullquote]In an effort to increase student participation in CalFresh, county social services agencies are increasingly working with campuses to reach out directly to students who might be eligible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2021, California lawmakers passed AB 1326, which requires county human services agencies to have college campus liaisons like Tran who provide one-on-one support with students to fill out their CalFresh applications in person or online.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>I missed the CalFresh deadline for college students. What now?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you missed the CalFresh deadline for students, you may still have options.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many California counties offer a 24/7 hotline for social programs such as CalFresh. And you can call 211 to speak with someone about immediate food assistance programs in your area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The California Department of Social Services help line at (888) 445-1955 also offers guidance on food assistance options and programs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>See \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11943420/your-calfresh-benefits-will-drop-in-april-heres-what-you-can-do#foodsupport\">more local resources and options for finding food assistance from KQED’s CalFresh guide\u003c/a>, from how to find a food bank to how to get 50% off produce at local farmers markets.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"tellus\">\u003c/a>Tell us: What else do you need information about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2023. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, practical explainers and guides about COVID\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11936674/how-to-prepare-for-this-weeks-atmospheric-river-storm-sandbags-emergency-kits-and-more\">how to cope with intense winter weather\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will make our reporting stronger, and help us decide what to cover here on our site, and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[hearken id=\"10483\" src=\"https://modules.wearehearken.com/kqed/embed/10483.js\"]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s Carly Severn contributed to this story.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>During the pandemic, more California students have been able to use\u003ca href=\"https://www.getcalfresh.org/\"> CalFresh food benefits\u003c/a>, the state’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) also known as “food stamps.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now, that \u003ca href=\"https://cdss.ca.gov/calfreshcovid19\">federal program, which widened the eligibility for college students\u003c/a> needing food assistance during the pandemic — and also raised those benefits for many — is coming to an end. But you still have time to sign up to secure another year of food benefits — and student advocates and financial aid experts say now is the time to do so.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#whoeligiblecalfreshstudent\">Who is eligible for CalFresh after June 10?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#howapplycalfreshstudent\">How do I apply before June 10 to keep CalFresh?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>“People often don’t know that they are eligible, and if they do know they are eligible, they might not apply because the application is intimidating or they put it off. But it takes 15 minutes, and it is worth the effort,” said Ginnie Tran, CalFresh outreach coordinator for Cal State University, East Bay. “I used it personally when I was in college and was able to help myself and my roommates get groceries.”\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "Tip: Put a reminder on your calendar for June 9, the last day you can apply to CalFresh as a student under the widened pandemic-era eligibility rules. Starting June 10, far fewer students will be eligible.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During the pandemic,\u003ca href=\"https://cdss.ca.gov/calfreshcovid19\"> CalFresh provided \u003cem>all\u003c/em> eligible students with $281 a month for food and groceries\u003c/a>, Tran said. \u003ca href=\"https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/13/CFF-COVID/student-exemptions-flyer-en.pdf\">That changes on June 10 (PDF)\u003c/a>, after which applications will fall under the pre-pandemic regulations, which provide between $25 and $281, depending on income and other individual factors. Not only is the amount offered to students going to fall, but who’s eligible for CalFresh as a student is also changing. \u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#whoeligiblecalfreshstudent\">How do I know if I qualify for CalFresh now? \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/data-portal/research-and-data/calfresh-data-dashboard\">Over 3 million households across the state rely on CalFresh.\u003c/a> That includes more than 127,000 students across the California State University system.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But many students who are eligible for CalFresh aren’t receiving the support they are entitled to. Somewhere \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Leg/202006-SB-77-CalFresh-Student-Data-Report.pdf\">between 416,000 and 700,000 California college students qualified for CalFresh benefits under the permanent rules during the 2018–19 school year (PDF)\u003c/a>, according to a June 2020 state report. But only 127,360 students applied and received assistance the same year, the report shows.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Just 10% of community college students, 12% of UC undergraduate students and 4% of UC graduate students were enrolled in CalFresh through the 2019–2020 academic year, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.capolicylab.org/california-community-college-and-university-of-california-student-participation-in-calfresh-food-benefits/\">data from the California Policy Lab\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here’s what you need to know about upcoming changes to student CalFresh benefits, and what to do if you’re a student who’s affected.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Why are CalFresh benefits changing?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The federal government is \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/california-divide/2023/03/calfresh-college-students/\">ending a pandemic-era food assistance program where SNAP expanded benefits\u003c/a> to include students who are eligible for \u003ca href=\"https://www.calstate.edu/attend/paying-for-college/financial-aid/types/Pages/work-study.aspx\">federal or state work study\u003c/a> — a federal program that provides jobs for students with financial need — or whose families cannot afford to contribute any money to their tuition. These were called temporary student exemptions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#tellus\">Tell us: What else do you need information about right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>The change is tied to \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2023/01/31/1152739780/biden-plans-to-end-the-covid-19-national-emergency-on-may-11\">the end of the national public health emergency order for COVID-19 on May 11\u003c/a>, causing \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11941075/californias-covid-emergency-ends-feb-28-what-does-that-actually-mean-for-you\">numerous state and federal pandemic relief programs to wind down\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The temporary student exemptions expire on June 10, so the last day that students can apply for CalFresh and still receive the pandemic-era benefits is June 9, 2023. Starting June 10, any students applying will be subject to the new eligibility rules (more on this below).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“A significant number of students will be affected” by the upcoming eligibility shift, Tran said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"whoeligiblecalfreshstudent\">\u003c/a>I’m a student on CalFresh right now. How do I know if I still qualify?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Beginning July 2023, only students who meet \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Forms-and-Brochures/2020/A-D/CF6177.pdf?ver=2021-10-22-160250-313\">what’s known as a “permanent exemption” (PDF)\u003c/a> will continue to qualify for CalFresh when they go through the recertification process. That includes students with physical or mental disabilities that affect their ability to work, some students with children, working students and students who are not expecting to enroll in their next term. \u003ca href=\"https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/13/CFF-COVID/student-exemptions-flyer-en.pdf\">See the California Department of Social Services list of permanent student exemptions for CalFresh (PDF).\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>This means that starting in July, many of those students who qualified for CalFresh during the pandemic under one of the temporary student exemptions will no longer qualify when they recertify. According to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), the state body that administers CalFresh, if you were approved for CalFresh under one of the temporary student exemptions, you don’t need to do anything to keep your benefits until your next recertification. But to \u003cem>keep\u003c/em> those benefits, you’ll have to meet \u003ca href=\"https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/13/CFF-COVID/student-exemptions-flyer-en.pdf\">one of the permanent student exemptions (PDF)\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>About 2 in 5 college students are still eligible for CalFresh under the new rules starting in July, “but awareness is a lot lower than that,” said Tran. “I would encourage everyone to apply. You don’t get penalized if you apply and aren’t approved.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you aren’t sure, contact your school’s CalFresh coordinator or county human services agency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"howapplycalfreshstudent\">\u003c/a>I’m a student and I think I qualify. How do I apply for CalFresh?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>There are several avenues students can take to apply. Eligible students must typically recertify for CalFresh every year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The easiest way for most students is to \u003ca href=\"https://www.getcalfresh.org/?source=csueb\">fill out an application for CalFresh at getcalfresh.org\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The majority of California counties also have adopted \u003ca href=\"https://benefitscal.com/\">a new website called BenefitsCal.com\u003c/a>. In the Bay Area, counties \u003cem>not\u003c/em> using this site yet are Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Solano and Sonoma, so students within those areas will be prompted through BenefitsCal.com to visit their county’s own website and will be provided with that link. All California counties are expected to host applications through the website by November 2023.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>In an effort to increase student participation in CalFresh, county social services agencies are increasingly working with campuses to reach out directly to students who might be eligible.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2021, California lawmakers passed AB 1326, which requires county human services agencies to have college campus liaisons like Tran who provide one-on-one support with students to fill out their CalFresh applications in person or online.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>I missed the CalFresh deadline for college students. What now?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you missed the CalFresh deadline for students, you may still have options.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many California counties offer a 24/7 hotline for social programs such as CalFresh. And you can call 211 to speak with someone about immediate food assistance programs in your area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The California Department of Social Services help line at (888) 445-1955 also offers guidance on food assistance options and programs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>See \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11943420/your-calfresh-benefits-will-drop-in-april-heres-what-you-can-do#foodsupport\">more local resources and options for finding food assistance from KQED’s CalFresh guide\u003c/a>, from how to find a food bank to how to get 50% off produce at local farmers markets.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"tellus\">\u003c/a>Tell us: What else do you need information about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2023. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, practical explainers and guides about COVID\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11936674/how-to-prepare-for-this-weeks-atmospheric-river-storm-sandbags-emergency-kits-and-more\">how to cope with intense winter weather\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will make our reporting stronger, and help us decide what to cover here on our site, and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s Carly Severn contributed to this story.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cp>As of today, California no longer requires face masks to be worn in health care facilities and other high-risk settings.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since 2020, the state has required everyone to wear masks in places like hospitals, clinics, correctional facilities and centers for people experiencing homelessness. Even as public health officials removed other COVID-19 restrictions, this rule remained in place through the multiple surges and drops in cases California saw in the past three years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Additionally, health care workers are no longer required to get the COVID-19 vaccine. This change includes direct care workers and those who work in adult care facilities, as well as in correctional and detention centers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to your county’s new masking rules: \u003c/strong>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#alamedamaskmandate\">Alameda\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"#sanfranciscomaskmandate\">San Francisco\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"#contracostamaskmandate\">Contra Costa\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"#marinmaskmandate\">Marin\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"#napamaskmandate\">Napa\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"#sanmateomaskmandate\">San Mateo\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"#santaclaramaskmandate\">Santa Clara\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"#sonomamaskmandate\">Sonoma\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"#solanomaskmandate\">Solano\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Despite calls from physicians and disability advocates to keep these rules in place to protect people especially vulnerable to COVID-19, state officials say that California is in a strong enough position to loosen these restrictions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Our communities did a lot of the hard work by getting vaccinated and boosted, staying home and testing when sick, requesting treatments when positive, and masking to slow the spread,” said Dr. Tomás Aragón, the state’s public health officer, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR23-014.aspx\">in a press release on March 3 announcing the change\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#tellus\">Tell us: What else do you need information about right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>However, individual counties retain the authority to enforce their own additional public health restrictions separate from the state’s. So if your county has a mask mandate that’s more restrictive than state rules, that’s the one you have to follow. Some Bay Area counties, like Contra Costa and Alameda, will continue to require face masks in certain high-risk settings, like nursing facilities, after April 3.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading to find the mask rules for high-risk settings in the county you live, work or study in.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"alamedamaskmandate\">\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>All staff working in Alameda County’s 66 skilled nursing facilities are still required to wear face masks, even after April 3. County health officials released \u003ca href=\"https://covid-19.acgov.org/covid19-assets/docs/press/press-release-2023.03.27.pdf\">a statement last week clarifying that this order will only apply to staff\u003c/a> and that visitors will only be \u003cem>encouraged\u003c/em> to wear masks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Alameda County is moving cautiously with our skilled nursing facilities because they serve a large and highly vulnerable population of generally older adults with complex medical conditions,” said Alameda County Health Officer Dr. Nicholas Moss in a March 27 statement.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The order applies only to those working at nursing facilities and will be reviewed monthly by county health officials. The county will align with state masking rules for all other settings.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"contracostamaskmandate\">\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>All staff in the county’s nursing facilities will still be required to wear face masks, even after April 3. According to \u003ca href=\"https://cchealth.org/press-releases/2023/0327-Health-Order-to-Require-Staff-in-Skilled-Nursing-Facilities-to-Wear-Masks.php\">a press release from Contra Costa health officials\u003c/a>, wearing a mask will be required for employees working directly with patients, and also for paramedics, emergency medical technicians, contractors and vendors when they enter these facilities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When the state announced the change in their rules, we began to think, ‘Does it make sense to continue masking anywhere?'” Dr. Ori Tzvieli, the county’s health officer, told KQED. “We decided that one of the highest-risk settings was skilled nursing facilities … these nursing homes basically have some of the higher-risk patients. They have older patients. They have patients with medical co-morbidities.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Visitors, however, will not be required to wear masks when inside these facilities. Patients also are not required to wear masks. The county will review its masking policy on a monthly basis.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"napamaskmandate\">\u003c/a>Napa\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Napa County does not require the use of face masks in high-risk settings. County officials told KQED that masks will continue to be made available for residents and staff in these places, clarifying that “masking is strongly recommended in high-risk settings” when community transmission rates are high.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"sanfranciscomaskmandate\">\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The San Francisco Department of Public Health told KQED that those working in health care, which includes skilled nursing facilities and jail settings, are still “required to wear a well-fitted mask when they are working in the same room as patients, clients, residents or people who are incarcerated.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, everyone else, which can include patients, clients, residents or people who are incarcerated and their visitors, are only \u003cem>encouraged\u003c/em> to wear a mask when inside these settings. Individual facilities do, however, have the authority to implement more restrictive guidelines.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"marinmaskmandate\">\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Marin County does not require the use of face masks in high-risk settings. County officials told KQED that health care facilities can enforce their own mask rules individually.\u003cbr>\n[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"sanmateomaskmandate\">\u003c/a>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>County officials told KQED that San Mateo follows the state’s guidelines and has not implemented any additional mask rules for high-risk settings. Individual health care facilities can still make their own decisions as to whether they want to require the use of masks indoors.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"santaclaramaskmandate\">\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Santa Clara County will require face masks in health care facilities only during the “designated winter respiratory virus period,” which lasts from November 1 to March 31 of each year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For the rest of the year, however, it is up to individual health care facilities to set their own masking rules.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"solanomaskmandate\">\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>County officials confirmed with KQED that Solano County will follow the state’s guidelines and has not implemented its own additional mask rules. Face masks will no longer be required in any of Solano County’s health care, long-term care or correctional facilities as well as homeless, emergency and warming and cooling centers.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"sonomamaskmandate\">\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Officials told KQED that Sonoma County will follow the state’s guidelines and has not implemented its own additional mask rules. Individual health care facilities can make their own decisions on whether they want to require the use of masks indoors.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"tellus\">\u003c/a>Tell us: What else do you need information about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2023. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, practical explainers and guides about COVID\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11936674/how-to-prepare-for-this-weeks-atmospheric-river-storm-sandbags-emergency-kits-and-more\">how to cope with intense winter weather\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will make our reporting stronger, and help us decide what to cover here on our site, and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[hearken id=\"10483\" src=\"https://modules.wearehearken.com/kqed/embed/10483.js\"]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story includes reporting from KQED’s Brian Watt and Alex Gonzalez.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>As of today, California no longer requires face masks to be worn in health care facilities and other high-risk settings.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since 2020, the state has required everyone to wear masks in places like hospitals, clinics, correctional facilities and centers for people experiencing homelessness. Even as public health officials removed other COVID-19 restrictions, this rule remained in place through the multiple surges and drops in cases California saw in the past three years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Additionally, health care workers are no longer required to get the COVID-19 vaccine. This change includes direct care workers and those who work in adult care facilities, as well as in correctional and detention centers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to your county’s new masking rules: \u003c/strong>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#alamedamaskmandate\">Alameda\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"#sanfranciscomaskmandate\">San Francisco\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"#contracostamaskmandate\">Contra Costa\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"#marinmaskmandate\">Marin\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"#napamaskmandate\">Napa\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"#sanmateomaskmandate\">San Mateo\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"#santaclaramaskmandate\">Santa Clara\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"#sonomamaskmandate\">Sonoma\u003c/a> | \u003ca href=\"#solanomaskmandate\">Solano\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Despite calls from physicians and disability advocates to keep these rules in place to protect people especially vulnerable to COVID-19, state officials say that California is in a strong enough position to loosen these restrictions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Our communities did a lot of the hard work by getting vaccinated and boosted, staying home and testing when sick, requesting treatments when positive, and masking to slow the spread,” said Dr. Tomás Aragón, the state’s public health officer, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR23-014.aspx\">in a press release on March 3 announcing the change\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#tellus\">Tell us: What else do you need information about right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>However, individual counties retain the authority to enforce their own additional public health restrictions separate from the state’s. So if your county has a mask mandate that’s more restrictive than state rules, that’s the one you have to follow. Some Bay Area counties, like Contra Costa and Alameda, will continue to require face masks in certain high-risk settings, like nursing facilities, after April 3.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading to find the mask rules for high-risk settings in the county you live, work or study in.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"alamedamaskmandate\">\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>All staff working in Alameda County’s 66 skilled nursing facilities are still required to wear face masks, even after April 3. County health officials released \u003ca href=\"https://covid-19.acgov.org/covid19-assets/docs/press/press-release-2023.03.27.pdf\">a statement last week clarifying that this order will only apply to staff\u003c/a> and that visitors will only be \u003cem>encouraged\u003c/em> to wear masks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Alameda County is moving cautiously with our skilled nursing facilities because they serve a large and highly vulnerable population of generally older adults with complex medical conditions,” said Alameda County Health Officer Dr. Nicholas Moss in a March 27 statement.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The order applies only to those working at nursing facilities and will be reviewed monthly by county health officials. The county will align with state masking rules for all other settings.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"contracostamaskmandate\">\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>All staff in the county’s nursing facilities will still be required to wear face masks, even after April 3. According to \u003ca href=\"https://cchealth.org/press-releases/2023/0327-Health-Order-to-Require-Staff-in-Skilled-Nursing-Facilities-to-Wear-Masks.php\">a press release from Contra Costa health officials\u003c/a>, wearing a mask will be required for employees working directly with patients, and also for paramedics, emergency medical technicians, contractors and vendors when they enter these facilities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When the state announced the change in their rules, we began to think, ‘Does it make sense to continue masking anywhere?'” Dr. Ori Tzvieli, the county’s health officer, told KQED. “We decided that one of the highest-risk settings was skilled nursing facilities … these nursing homes basically have some of the higher-risk patients. They have older patients. They have patients with medical co-morbidities.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Visitors, however, will not be required to wear masks when inside these facilities. Patients also are not required to wear masks. The county will review its masking policy on a monthly basis.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"napamaskmandate\">\u003c/a>Napa\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Napa County does not require the use of face masks in high-risk settings. County officials told KQED that masks will continue to be made available for residents and staff in these places, clarifying that “masking is strongly recommended in high-risk settings” when community transmission rates are high.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"sanfranciscomaskmandate\">\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The San Francisco Department of Public Health told KQED that those working in health care, which includes skilled nursing facilities and jail settings, are still “required to wear a well-fitted mask when they are working in the same room as patients, clients, residents or people who are incarcerated.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, everyone else, which can include patients, clients, residents or people who are incarcerated and their visitors, are only \u003cem>encouraged\u003c/em> to wear a mask when inside these settings. Individual facilities do, however, have the authority to implement more restrictive guidelines.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"marinmaskmandate\">\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Marin County does not require the use of face masks in high-risk settings. County officials told KQED that health care facilities can enforce their own mask rules individually.\u003cbr>\n\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"sanmateomaskmandate\">\u003c/a>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>County officials told KQED that San Mateo follows the state’s guidelines and has not implemented any additional mask rules for high-risk settings. Individual health care facilities can still make their own decisions as to whether they want to require the use of masks indoors.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"santaclaramaskmandate\">\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Santa Clara County will require face masks in health care facilities only during the “designated winter respiratory virus period,” which lasts from November 1 to March 31 of each year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For the rest of the year, however, it is up to individual health care facilities to set their own masking rules.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"solanomaskmandate\">\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>County officials confirmed with KQED that Solano County will follow the state’s guidelines and has not implemented its own additional mask rules. Face masks will no longer be required in any of Solano County’s health care, long-term care or correctional facilities as well as homeless, emergency and warming and cooling centers.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"sonomamaskmandate\">\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Officials told KQED that Sonoma County will follow the state’s guidelines and has not implemented its own additional mask rules. Individual health care facilities can make their own decisions on whether they want to require the use of masks indoors.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"tellus\">\u003c/a>Tell us: What else do you need information about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2023. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, practical explainers and guides about COVID\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11936674/how-to-prepare-for-this-weeks-atmospheric-river-storm-sandbags-emergency-kits-and-more\">how to cope with intense winter weather\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will make our reporting stronger, and help us decide what to cover here on our site, and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "on-medi-cal-eligibility-changes-starting-in-april-could-mean-you-lose-coverage-heres-what-to-do",
"title": "On Medi-Cal? Eligibility Changes Starting in April Could Mean You Lose Coverage. Here's What to Do",
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"headTitle": "On Medi-Cal? Eligibility Changes Starting in April Could Mean You Lose Coverage. Here’s What to Do | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>Starting April 1, Californians who depend on \u003ca href=\"https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Pages/myMedi-Cal.aspx\">Medi-Cal\u003c/a> — the state’s Medicaid health care program — for their health care expenses will need to once again \u003ca href=\"https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Pages/Keep-Your-Medi-Cal.aspx\">go through a redetermination process to renew their eligibility and keep their Medi-Cal coverage\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Thanks to \u003ca href=\"https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/02/09/fact-sheet-covid-19-public-health-emergency-transition-roadmap.html\">the federal COVID Public Health Emergency (PHE)\u003c/a> declared in 2020, Medicaid programs around the nation like Medi-Cal have been able to waive annual eligibility requirements. This means that for the past three years, Medicaid beneficiaries had their health care costs covered without having to go through an annual renewal process, which could have found them no longer eligible to receive Medicaid.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But at the end of last year, Congress approved the Consolidated Appropriations Act — putting \u003ca href=\"https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/02/09/fact-sheet-covid-19-public-health-emergency-transition-roadmap.html\">an end date of March 31 on automatic Medicaid renewal\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#keepmedicaid\">What do I need to do to keep my Medi-Cal coverage?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#helpmedicaid\">Find my Bay Area county’s Medi-Cal office\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Who will be affected by these Medi-Cal changes?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>This change will affect the millions of people nationwide who depend on Medicaid to cover essential care, prescriptions and other health care services, including the 12 million people enrolled in Medi-Cal within California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Urban Institute, a public policy think tank, released a study at the end of 2022 that estimates that \u003ca href=\"https://www.urban.org/research/publication/impact-covid-19-public-health-emergency-expiration-all-types-health-coverage\">18 million people nationwide may lose their Medicaid\u003c/a> coverage during a 14-month period following the end of the PHE — either because they are found to no longer qualify for Medi-Cal, or because they fail to renew on time. \u003ca href=\"https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Documents/PHE-UOP/Medi-Cal-COVID-19-PHE-Unwinding-Plan.pdf\">In California, that number could be as high as 3 million.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#tellus\">Tell us: What else do you need information about right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Disability rights advocates also worry that the renewal process could leave people without health coverage. “Administrative and procedural barriers can also lead to someone being dis-enrolled, with \u003ca href=\"https://www.teenvogue.com/story/medicaid-coverage-covid\">low-income people and people of color disproportionately at higher risk due to structural inequities\u003c/a>,” wrote San Francisco disability rights activist Alice Wong in a recent column for \u003cem>Teen Vogue.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Individuals who received Medi-Cal benefits before the pandemic began may remember what it’s like to renew eligibility: Your county’s health and human services agency sends to your mailbox a thick packet full of forms to fill out and verify your residency, income, health information and other personal details.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But regardless of whether you have been on Medi-Cal for decades, or joined far more recently during the pandemic, \u003ca href=\"https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Pages/Keep-Your-Medi-Cal.aspx\">the redetermination process will be required for all Medi-Cal beneficiaries\u003c/a>. This means that every single person on Medi-Cal needs to be aware of the coming changes starting in April, to make sure they keep health care coverage in some form.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what you need to know.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11944676\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11944676\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/pexels-rodnae-productions-7821577.jpg\" alt=\"A photograph shot from behind of two people, whose faces we can't see, operating a laptop to fill out a form.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/pexels-rodnae-productions-7821577.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/pexels-rodnae-productions-7821577-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/pexels-rodnae-productions-7821577-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/pexels-rodnae-productions-7821577-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/pexels-rodnae-productions-7821577-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Changes are coming to Medi-Cal eligibility, and you’ll have to act to keep coverage. \u003ccite>(RODNAE Productions/Pexels)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"keepmedicaid\">\u003c/a>On Medi-Cal? Here’s what to expect starting April 1\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Nobody will be automatically dropped from their Medi-Cal coverage on April 1, says María Reyes, community health education manager for La Clínica de la Raza, which provides health services to lower-income communities in Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano counties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Instead, that date marks the start of the process to reenroll people on Medi-Cal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Once the Medi-Cal renewal waiver ends on March 31, there will be two ways people can renew their benefits: through the mail or \u003ca href=\"https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Pages/Keep-Your-Medi-Cal.aspx\">online at the Medi-Cal website\u003c/a>. But it’s important to remember that the deadline to renew will be different for everyone, says Reyes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The deadline to renew your personal coverage, she says, is based on your Medi-Cal “anniversary”:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>If you had Medi-Cal \u003cstrong>before 2020\u003c/strong>, your anniversary is the date when you last renewed your coverage before the pandemic, but:\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>If you enrolled \u003cstrong>after 2020\u003c/strong> and haven’t gone through the renewal process yet, your anniversary falls on the date you first applied.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Reyes recommends that you confirm the exact date of your coverage anniversary — because you should receive a renewal packet in the mail ahead of this date.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Option 1: Renew your Medi-Cal coverage by mail\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“As people meet their anniversary date, they’ll be getting these packets,” she says, adding that the packets will include a letter with information specific to your coverage. “This letter will let you know you have X amount of time, from the time you receive the letter, to submit your renewal packet and the documents they are requesting from you.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/health/2023/03/medi-cal-eligibility-2/\">These packets will be going out in phases monthly up through June 2024\u003c/a>, and will include \u003ca href=\"https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/forms/Forms/mc210rv-eng.pdf\">an annual redetermination form (PDF)\u003c/a> which asks for information about a beneficiary’s income, living situation and disability status, among other factors. You may be asked to submit additional documents depending on your circumstances. You should fill it out and return it as soon as possible, if you don’t plan on renewing your Medi-Cal online (see Option 2).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If, for some reason, your county office doesn’t get the packet by the deadline, they’ll send another reminder letter letting you know they haven’t received your documents,” Reyes said, adding that there may be a \u003cem>third\u003c/em> letter in the mail if a beneficiary misses the second deadline. There should, she assures, be several opportunities for people to be reminded of this deadline. “It’s not going to be a sudden stop of services,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Option 2: Renew your Medi-Cal coverage online\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In some cases, you may be able to renew online. In the Bay Area, counties use either one of two renewal portals:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>If you live in Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Solano and Sonoma counties, visit \u003ca href=\"https://www.mybenefitscalwin.org/#/home\">MyBenefitsCalWin\u003c/a> to renew your Medi-Cal.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>If you live in Contra Costa, Marin, Napa or Santa Clara counties, visit \u003ca href=\"https://benefitscal.com/\">BenefitsCal\u003c/a> to renew your Medi-Cal.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>If you live somewhere else in California, \u003ca href=\"https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Pages/Keep-Your-Medi-Cal.aspx\">see which website your county uses for your to renew your Medi-Cal\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What if I am found to no longer be eligible for Medi-Cal?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you don’t renew your Medi-Cal by the deadline (see Options 1 and 2, in the previous section), or are found to no longer be eligible, you’ll be removed from Medi-Cal coverage. And if that happens, you’ll have other options for subsidized health care coverage — but at a cost.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Yingjia Huang, assistant deputy director for health care benefits and eligibility at the Department of Health Care Services, told CalMatters that \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/health/2023/03/medi-cal-eligibility-2/\">if you no longer qualify for Medi-Cal because your income has gone up, you’ll be “automatically” transitioned\u003c/a> into a similar plan through Covered California. “The system automatically will review their eligibility for Covered California, and Covered California will send out the enrollment notice to the member, informing them of their options and to pay the plan premium,” said Huang. There’ll be “no administrative burden on a member,” she stressed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But of course, this may come with a new monthly premium that many folks on Medi-Cal haven’t had to pay before — and might not feel able to when factoring in their other expenses.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The state emphasizes that \u003ca href=\"https://www.coveredca.com/marketing-blog/health-insurance-costs-less-thanks-to-the-inflation-reduction-act/\">nearly half of people getting health care through Covered California pay less than $50\u003c/a>, while nearly a quarter of people don’t pay a monthly premium at all.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What happens if I don’t get my renewal packet in the mail?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Reyes is keen to reiterate that no one will be automatically dropped from their Medi-Cal coverage on April 1. “Starting on that date, people should be on the lookout for these renewal packages that they will need to complete,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If your coverage anniversary rolls around and you have not received a renewal packet, there may be several possibilities to explain why:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>You may have the wrong date on file for your anniversary, or:\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Your county may be sending the packet to an old address (more likely \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/services/health/medi-cal/renew-your-medi-cal-coverage\">if you moved during the pandemic\u003c/a>).\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>In either case, you should confirm your information with your county directly. You can do this online:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>If you live in Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Solano and Sonoma counties, visit \u003ca href=\"https://www.mybenefitscalwin.org/#/home\">MyBenefitsCalWin\u003c/a> to update your Medi-Cal contact information.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>If you live in Contra Costa, Marin, Napa or Santa Clara counties, visit \u003ca href=\"https://benefitscal.com/\">BenefitsCal\u003c/a> to update your Medi-Cal contact information.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>You can also contact the office in your county that manages Medi-Cal enrollment. Find your county in the list below.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"helpmedicaid\">\u003c/a>Get direct assistance with Medi-Cal and update your contact details\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Alameda County\u003c/strong>: \u003ca href=\"https://www.alamedacountysocialservices.org/our-services/Health-and-Food/Medi-Cal/index\">Social Services Agency\u003c/a>, 24100 Amador Street, Hayward; call (888) 999-4772.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Contra Costa County\u003c/strong>: \u003ca href=\"https://ehsd.org/benefits/medi-cal-and-health-coverage-options/\">Employment and Human Services\u003c/a>, multiple addresses; call (866) 663-3225.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Marin County\u003c/strong>: \u003ca href=\"https://www.marinhhs.org/medi-cal\">Health and Human Services\u003c/a>, 120 N. Redwood Drive, San Rafael; call (877) 410-8817.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Napa County\u003c/strong>: \u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/3304/Self-Sufficiency-Services\">Health and Human Services\u003c/a>, 2751 Napa Valley Corporate Drive, Napa; call (707) 253-4511.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>: \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/services/health/medi-cal/renew-your-medi-cal-coverage\">Human Services Agency\u003c/a>, 1440 Harrison Street, San Francisco; call (415) 558-4700.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>San Mateo County\u003c/strong>: \u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/hsa/health-coverage\">Human Services\u003c/a>, 400 Harbor Boulevard, Building B, Belmont; call (800) 223-8383.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Santa Clara County\u003c/strong>: \u003ca href=\"https://socialservices.sccgov.org/health-coverage\">Social Services Agency\u003c/a>, 1867 Senter Road, San José; call (408) 758-3800.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Solano County\u003c/strong>: \u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/hss/ees/medical/default.asp\">Health and Social Services\u003c/a>, multiple addresses; call (707) 784-3900.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sonoma County\u003c/strong>: \u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/health-and-human-services/human-services/divisions-and-services/economic-assistance/health-care-benefits/medi-cal-and-county-medical-services-program\">Department of Human Services\u003c/a>, 2550 Paulin Drive, Santa Rosa, or 5350 Old Redwood Highway, Suite 100, Petaluma; call (877) 699-6868.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you are a parent or caregiver and managing a family all by yourself, working multiple jobs or managing a chronic illness, the Medi-Cal renewal process is another item on a long list of responsibilities you are already juggling. You might also be facing \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11943420/your-calfresh-benefits-will-drop-in-april-heres-what-you-can-do\">a drop in your CalFresh benefits (SNAP, or food stamps)\u003c/a> at the same time as this Medi-Cal renewal, starting in April.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many organizations across California are helping folks send their renewal packets in on time and keep their coverage. One of them is La Clínica de la Raza, which has set up a service that provides individual assistance to Medi-Cal recipients living in Alameda, Contra Costa or Solano counties while completing the renewal requirements.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We don’t want people to lose coverage, especially because preventative services are important — particularly for those who have chronic conditions,” said Reyes, from La Clínica. “We want to make sure that they’re not at risk of losing coverage, not being able to see their provider, not able to refill their prescriptions. So taking action as soon as possible is important.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you are on Medi-Cal and live in Alameda, Contra Costa or Solano counties, contact La Clínica de la Raza at (855) 494-4658. Help is available in both English and Spanish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Reyes adds that your county’s social services agency is also a helpful resource when navigating the renewal process and some counties have even set up service centers to answer reenrollment questions in person. \u003ca href=\"#helpmedicaid\">Find contact information for your county’s social services agency (above).\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"tellus\">\u003c/a>Tell us: What else do you need information about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2023. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, helpful explainers and guides about issues like COVID\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11936674/how-to-prepare-for-this-weeks-atmospheric-river-storm-sandbags-emergency-kits-and-more\">how to cope with intense winter weather\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will make our reporting stronger, and help us decide what to cover here on our site, and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[hearken id=\"10483\" src=\"https://modules.wearehearken.com/kqed/embed/10483.js\"]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s Carly Severn contributed to this story.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Starting in April, Californians who depend on Medi-Cal will need to once again renew their eligibility. Here's what you need to know.",
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"title": "On Medi-Cal? Eligibility Changes Starting in April Could Mean You Lose Coverage. Here's What to Do | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Starting April 1, Californians who depend on \u003ca href=\"https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Pages/myMedi-Cal.aspx\">Medi-Cal\u003c/a> — the state’s Medicaid health care program — for their health care expenses will need to once again \u003ca href=\"https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Pages/Keep-Your-Medi-Cal.aspx\">go through a redetermination process to renew their eligibility and keep their Medi-Cal coverage\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Thanks to \u003ca href=\"https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/02/09/fact-sheet-covid-19-public-health-emergency-transition-roadmap.html\">the federal COVID Public Health Emergency (PHE)\u003c/a> declared in 2020, Medicaid programs around the nation like Medi-Cal have been able to waive annual eligibility requirements. This means that for the past three years, Medicaid beneficiaries had their health care costs covered without having to go through an annual renewal process, which could have found them no longer eligible to receive Medicaid.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But at the end of last year, Congress approved the Consolidated Appropriations Act — putting \u003ca href=\"https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/02/09/fact-sheet-covid-19-public-health-emergency-transition-roadmap.html\">an end date of March 31 on automatic Medicaid renewal\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#keepmedicaid\">What do I need to do to keep my Medi-Cal coverage?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#helpmedicaid\">Find my Bay Area county’s Medi-Cal office\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Who will be affected by these Medi-Cal changes?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>This change will affect the millions of people nationwide who depend on Medicaid to cover essential care, prescriptions and other health care services, including the 12 million people enrolled in Medi-Cal within California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Urban Institute, a public policy think tank, released a study at the end of 2022 that estimates that \u003ca href=\"https://www.urban.org/research/publication/impact-covid-19-public-health-emergency-expiration-all-types-health-coverage\">18 million people nationwide may lose their Medicaid\u003c/a> coverage during a 14-month period following the end of the PHE — either because they are found to no longer qualify for Medi-Cal, or because they fail to renew on time. \u003ca href=\"https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Documents/PHE-UOP/Medi-Cal-COVID-19-PHE-Unwinding-Plan.pdf\">In California, that number could be as high as 3 million.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#tellus\">Tell us: What else do you need information about right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Disability rights advocates also worry that the renewal process could leave people without health coverage. “Administrative and procedural barriers can also lead to someone being dis-enrolled, with \u003ca href=\"https://www.teenvogue.com/story/medicaid-coverage-covid\">low-income people and people of color disproportionately at higher risk due to structural inequities\u003c/a>,” wrote San Francisco disability rights activist Alice Wong in a recent column for \u003cem>Teen Vogue.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Individuals who received Medi-Cal benefits before the pandemic began may remember what it’s like to renew eligibility: Your county’s health and human services agency sends to your mailbox a thick packet full of forms to fill out and verify your residency, income, health information and other personal details.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But regardless of whether you have been on Medi-Cal for decades, or joined far more recently during the pandemic, \u003ca href=\"https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Pages/Keep-Your-Medi-Cal.aspx\">the redetermination process will be required for all Medi-Cal beneficiaries\u003c/a>. This means that every single person on Medi-Cal needs to be aware of the coming changes starting in April, to make sure they keep health care coverage in some form.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what you need to know.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11944676\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11944676\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/pexels-rodnae-productions-7821577.jpg\" alt=\"A photograph shot from behind of two people, whose faces we can't see, operating a laptop to fill out a form.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/pexels-rodnae-productions-7821577.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/pexels-rodnae-productions-7821577-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/pexels-rodnae-productions-7821577-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/pexels-rodnae-productions-7821577-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/pexels-rodnae-productions-7821577-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Changes are coming to Medi-Cal eligibility, and you’ll have to act to keep coverage. \u003ccite>(RODNAE Productions/Pexels)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"keepmedicaid\">\u003c/a>On Medi-Cal? Here’s what to expect starting April 1\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Nobody will be automatically dropped from their Medi-Cal coverage on April 1, says María Reyes, community health education manager for La Clínica de la Raza, which provides health services to lower-income communities in Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano counties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Instead, that date marks the start of the process to reenroll people on Medi-Cal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Once the Medi-Cal renewal waiver ends on March 31, there will be two ways people can renew their benefits: through the mail or \u003ca href=\"https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Pages/Keep-Your-Medi-Cal.aspx\">online at the Medi-Cal website\u003c/a>. But it’s important to remember that the deadline to renew will be different for everyone, says Reyes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The deadline to renew your personal coverage, she says, is based on your Medi-Cal “anniversary”:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>If you had Medi-Cal \u003cstrong>before 2020\u003c/strong>, your anniversary is the date when you last renewed your coverage before the pandemic, but:\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>If you enrolled \u003cstrong>after 2020\u003c/strong> and haven’t gone through the renewal process yet, your anniversary falls on the date you first applied.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Reyes recommends that you confirm the exact date of your coverage anniversary — because you should receive a renewal packet in the mail ahead of this date.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Option 1: Renew your Medi-Cal coverage by mail\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“As people meet their anniversary date, they’ll be getting these packets,” she says, adding that the packets will include a letter with information specific to your coverage. “This letter will let you know you have X amount of time, from the time you receive the letter, to submit your renewal packet and the documents they are requesting from you.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/health/2023/03/medi-cal-eligibility-2/\">These packets will be going out in phases monthly up through June 2024\u003c/a>, and will include \u003ca href=\"https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/forms/Forms/mc210rv-eng.pdf\">an annual redetermination form (PDF)\u003c/a> which asks for information about a beneficiary’s income, living situation and disability status, among other factors. You may be asked to submit additional documents depending on your circumstances. You should fill it out and return it as soon as possible, if you don’t plan on renewing your Medi-Cal online (see Option 2).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If, for some reason, your county office doesn’t get the packet by the deadline, they’ll send another reminder letter letting you know they haven’t received your documents,” Reyes said, adding that there may be a \u003cem>third\u003c/em> letter in the mail if a beneficiary misses the second deadline. There should, she assures, be several opportunities for people to be reminded of this deadline. “It’s not going to be a sudden stop of services,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Option 2: Renew your Medi-Cal coverage online\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In some cases, you may be able to renew online. In the Bay Area, counties use either one of two renewal portals:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>If you live in Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Solano and Sonoma counties, visit \u003ca href=\"https://www.mybenefitscalwin.org/#/home\">MyBenefitsCalWin\u003c/a> to renew your Medi-Cal.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>If you live in Contra Costa, Marin, Napa or Santa Clara counties, visit \u003ca href=\"https://benefitscal.com/\">BenefitsCal\u003c/a> to renew your Medi-Cal.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>If you live somewhere else in California, \u003ca href=\"https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Pages/Keep-Your-Medi-Cal.aspx\">see which website your county uses for your to renew your Medi-Cal\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What if I am found to no longer be eligible for Medi-Cal?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you don’t renew your Medi-Cal by the deadline (see Options 1 and 2, in the previous section), or are found to no longer be eligible, you’ll be removed from Medi-Cal coverage. And if that happens, you’ll have other options for subsidized health care coverage — but at a cost.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Yingjia Huang, assistant deputy director for health care benefits and eligibility at the Department of Health Care Services, told CalMatters that \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/health/2023/03/medi-cal-eligibility-2/\">if you no longer qualify for Medi-Cal because your income has gone up, you’ll be “automatically” transitioned\u003c/a> into a similar plan through Covered California. “The system automatically will review their eligibility for Covered California, and Covered California will send out the enrollment notice to the member, informing them of their options and to pay the plan premium,” said Huang. There’ll be “no administrative burden on a member,” she stressed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But of course, this may come with a new monthly premium that many folks on Medi-Cal haven’t had to pay before — and might not feel able to when factoring in their other expenses.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The state emphasizes that \u003ca href=\"https://www.coveredca.com/marketing-blog/health-insurance-costs-less-thanks-to-the-inflation-reduction-act/\">nearly half of people getting health care through Covered California pay less than $50\u003c/a>, while nearly a quarter of people don’t pay a monthly premium at all.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What happens if I don’t get my renewal packet in the mail?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Reyes is keen to reiterate that no one will be automatically dropped from their Medi-Cal coverage on April 1. “Starting on that date, people should be on the lookout for these renewal packages that they will need to complete,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If your coverage anniversary rolls around and you have not received a renewal packet, there may be several possibilities to explain why:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>You may have the wrong date on file for your anniversary, or:\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Your county may be sending the packet to an old address (more likely \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/services/health/medi-cal/renew-your-medi-cal-coverage\">if you moved during the pandemic\u003c/a>).\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>In either case, you should confirm your information with your county directly. You can do this online:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>If you live in Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Solano and Sonoma counties, visit \u003ca href=\"https://www.mybenefitscalwin.org/#/home\">MyBenefitsCalWin\u003c/a> to update your Medi-Cal contact information.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>If you live in Contra Costa, Marin, Napa or Santa Clara counties, visit \u003ca href=\"https://benefitscal.com/\">BenefitsCal\u003c/a> to update your Medi-Cal contact information.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>You can also contact the office in your county that manages Medi-Cal enrollment. Find your county in the list below.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"helpmedicaid\">\u003c/a>Get direct assistance with Medi-Cal and update your contact details\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Alameda County\u003c/strong>: \u003ca href=\"https://www.alamedacountysocialservices.org/our-services/Health-and-Food/Medi-Cal/index\">Social Services Agency\u003c/a>, 24100 Amador Street, Hayward; call (888) 999-4772.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Contra Costa County\u003c/strong>: \u003ca href=\"https://ehsd.org/benefits/medi-cal-and-health-coverage-options/\">Employment and Human Services\u003c/a>, multiple addresses; call (866) 663-3225.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Marin County\u003c/strong>: \u003ca href=\"https://www.marinhhs.org/medi-cal\">Health and Human Services\u003c/a>, 120 N. Redwood Drive, San Rafael; call (877) 410-8817.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Napa County\u003c/strong>: \u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/3304/Self-Sufficiency-Services\">Health and Human Services\u003c/a>, 2751 Napa Valley Corporate Drive, Napa; call (707) 253-4511.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>: \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/services/health/medi-cal/renew-your-medi-cal-coverage\">Human Services Agency\u003c/a>, 1440 Harrison Street, San Francisco; call (415) 558-4700.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>San Mateo County\u003c/strong>: \u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/hsa/health-coverage\">Human Services\u003c/a>, 400 Harbor Boulevard, Building B, Belmont; call (800) 223-8383.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Santa Clara County\u003c/strong>: \u003ca href=\"https://socialservices.sccgov.org/health-coverage\">Social Services Agency\u003c/a>, 1867 Senter Road, San José; call (408) 758-3800.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Solano County\u003c/strong>: \u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/hss/ees/medical/default.asp\">Health and Social Services\u003c/a>, multiple addresses; call (707) 784-3900.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sonoma County\u003c/strong>: \u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/health-and-human-services/human-services/divisions-and-services/economic-assistance/health-care-benefits/medi-cal-and-county-medical-services-program\">Department of Human Services\u003c/a>, 2550 Paulin Drive, Santa Rosa, or 5350 Old Redwood Highway, Suite 100, Petaluma; call (877) 699-6868.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you are a parent or caregiver and managing a family all by yourself, working multiple jobs or managing a chronic illness, the Medi-Cal renewal process is another item on a long list of responsibilities you are already juggling. You might also be facing \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11943420/your-calfresh-benefits-will-drop-in-april-heres-what-you-can-do\">a drop in your CalFresh benefits (SNAP, or food stamps)\u003c/a> at the same time as this Medi-Cal renewal, starting in April.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many organizations across California are helping folks send their renewal packets in on time and keep their coverage. One of them is La Clínica de la Raza, which has set up a service that provides individual assistance to Medi-Cal recipients living in Alameda, Contra Costa or Solano counties while completing the renewal requirements.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We don’t want people to lose coverage, especially because preventative services are important — particularly for those who have chronic conditions,” said Reyes, from La Clínica. “We want to make sure that they’re not at risk of losing coverage, not being able to see their provider, not able to refill their prescriptions. So taking action as soon as possible is important.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you are on Medi-Cal and live in Alameda, Contra Costa or Solano counties, contact La Clínica de la Raza at (855) 494-4658. Help is available in both English and Spanish.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Reyes adds that your county’s social services agency is also a helpful resource when navigating the renewal process and some counties have even set up service centers to answer reenrollment questions in person. \u003ca href=\"#helpmedicaid\">Find contact information for your county’s social services agency (above).\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"tellus\">\u003c/a>Tell us: What else do you need information about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2023. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, helpful explainers and guides about issues like COVID\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11936674/how-to-prepare-for-this-weeks-atmospheric-river-storm-sandbags-emergency-kits-and-more\">how to cope with intense winter weather\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will make our reporting stronger, and help us decide what to cover here on our site, and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s Carly Severn contributed to this story.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"title": "Your CalFresh Benefits Will Drop in April. Here's What You Can Do",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>This story was updated at 1:40 p.m., Thursday, April 6.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003c/strong>\u003ca href=\"#foodsupport\">\u003cstrong>Where to find additional money and food support if your CalFresh benefits are dropping\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/data-portal/research-and-data/calfresh-data-dashboard\">Over 3 million households around California use CalFresh\u003c/a>, the state’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the food benefits program also known as “food stamps.” According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/data-portal/research-and-data/calfresh-data-dashboard\">the state’s most recent data from January 2023\u003c/a>, that’s more than 5 million people using these funds to ensure they have access to food.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During the pandemic, folks using CalFresh have been receiving extra funds, called “emergency allotments,” in recognition of the extreme challenges the COVID pandemic has been causing to people’s lives and jobs. This increase was at least $95 in CalFresh benefits per month.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But starting in April, CalFresh users will notice a big drop in their food benefits. That’s because \u003ca href=\"https://cdss.ca.gov/calfreshcovid19\">those extra CalFresh pandemic funds were discontinued on Feb. 28\u003c/a>, making March the last month the emergency allotments will appear in your CalFresh benefits.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading to find out why this is happening, or jump straight to \u003ca href=\"#foodsupport\">where you can find additional food support and benefits\u003c/a> if you’re going to be affected by this drop in CalFresh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Are you a student on CalFresh? \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11945814/college-students-your-calfresh-eligibility-is-about-to-change-heres-what-to-do\">Read more about how your eligibility for food benefits is also changing starting June 10.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#tellus\">Tell us: What else do you need information about right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Why is this drop in my CalFresh benefits happening?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The sharp reduction in CalFresh funds is due to federal funding changes for SNAP programs across the whole United States — not because of a change in California law.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In March 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) — the federal agency that oversees SNAP programs nationwide — gave states extra funding so they could increase food benefits for people using SNAP. The increase allowed California to up the amount CalFresh users received every month, either to the maximum amount allowed or by adding a $95 increase for the people already getting the maximum.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But now, a 2023 Congressional spending bill — the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 — has ended the pandemic-era release of these extra funds to households across the U.S.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>So how much money in CalFresh benefits will I now lose?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Starting in April, your CalFresh benefits will go back down to their pre-pandemic levels, according to what you’re currently eligible for.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These emergency allotments were $95 \u003cem>minimum\u003c/em>. So the end of these extra funds means that a person using CalFresh \u003cem>at the very least\u003c/em> is losing $95 each month in their food benefits.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CalFreshOutreach/Brochures/Income_Inserts_FFY2023-English.pdf?ver=2022-09-27-105231-437\">Both your regular CalFresh benefits and how much emergency allotment you’ve been receiving are calculated based on your personal circumstances (PDF)\u003c/a>, which includes how many people are in your household, what your income is and what tax deductions you claim. The bigger your household and the lower your income, the larger your CalFresh benefits will be.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003c/strong>\u003ca href=\"#foodsupport\">\u003cstrong>Where to find additional money and food support if your CalFresh benefits are dropping\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CalFreshOutreach/Brochures/Income_Inserts_FFY2023-English.pdf?ver=2022-09-27-105231-437\">You can go here to see the income thresholds and maximum CalFresh monthly allotments (PDF)\u003c/a> that are currently in effect through Sept. 30, 2023. But remember that the dollar amounts for regular CalFresh allotments shown in the table below represent the \u003cem>absolute maximum amount\u003c/em> available to a household based on their circumstances, not the average. \u003ca href=\"https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fy-2023-cola\">The minimum CalFresh allotment available is $23.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11943797\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1242px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11943797\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/calfresh-elig2.png\" alt=\"A table that shows Maximum Monthly allotments for CalFresh users\" width=\"1242\" height=\"817\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/calfresh-elig2.png 1242w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/calfresh-elig2-800x526.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/calfresh-elig2-1020x671.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/calfresh-elig2-160x105.png 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1242px) 100vw, 1242px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A table that shows maximum monthly allotments for CalFresh users. \u003ccite>(California Department of Social Services)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>How will this affect Californians using CalFresh?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>CalMatters has reported that since November, \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/california-divide/2023/02/calfresh-emergency-allotments-ending/\">the extra emergency allotment boosts have amounted to more than $500 million a month\u003c/a> in additional food stamps for lower-income Californians, according to USDA data. Becky Silva, government relations director at the California Association of Food Banks, told CalMatters that a single-person household could see their food aid drop from $281 a month to as low as $23 in April.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In San Francisco alone, officials at the city’s Human Services Agency (SFHSA) estimated in a March 1 press conference that around 70,000 households receiving CalFresh — more than 96,000 individuals — will lose an average of $160 per month, totaling a loss of $11.5 million citywide. The SFHSA estimates that older people, people with disabilities and families with multiple children will be most affected by these CalFresh changes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), the agency that administers CalFresh, says that it’s been using “many methods of communication” to alert CalFresh users about the imminent drop in funds, including texts, social media, automated phone calls and a January mailer sent to all people using CalFresh. This messaging, the agency says, has been translated into Spanish, Vietnamese, Armenian and Cantonese.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In its \u003ca href=\"https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/13/CFF-COVID/emergency-allotment-flyer-english.pdf\">official flyer warning of the CalFresh funding changes (PDF)\u003c/a>, CDSS advises people being hit by this sudden drop in food benefits in April that they can “get free food from your local food bank” as an “additional food resource.” The agency notes that both the state and the USDA also have made more funding available to food banks recently.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, many advocates are deeply concerned about the impact on hunger in California. Particularly concerned are food bank representatives, whose organizations have already seen huge demand during the pandemic, and are themselves being squeezed by the food inflation that’s affecting the people that food banks serve.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/california-divide/2023/02/calfresh-emergency-allotments-ending/\">“There’s no way to overstate how devastating this is going to be,”\u003c/a> Silva from the California Association of Food Banks told CalMatters. “Families are going to see a dramatic and sudden drop in their food benefits at a time when food price inflation and the cost of living in California especially is through the roof.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mike Altfest, Alameda County Community Food Bank’s director of community engagement, says that the loss in Alameda County alone will amount to more than 3 million meals in the county per month. “Our food bank can’t make up 3.1 million meals,” Altfest said. “It’s physically impossible.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re going to see a huge jump in demand,” he said. “And I think food banks across the country are going to struggle to make this up.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Altfest says that many food banks across the state are joining forces with lawmakers and “working on a number of bills and proposals that we’ve been lobbying for.” These measures not only \u003ca href=\"https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-03-02/millions-of-californians-see-catastrophic-end-of-covid-19-food-benefits-as-inflation-climbs\">advocate for increased state funding for food banks, but also for the state to augment federal SNAP benefits\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"foodsupport\">\u003c/a>Where can I find additional money and support if my CalFresh benefits are dropping?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>First, make sure you’re getting all the CalFresh benefits you’re entitled to\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If your income has gone down, or stopped because you’ve lost your job or your expenses have risen, you may be eligible for more CalFresh benefits. (\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CalFreshOutreach/Brochures/Income_Inserts_FFY2023-English.pdf?ver=2022-09-27-105231-437\">See the income thresholds and maximum CalFresh monthly allotments [PDF]\u003c/a> that are currently in effect through Sept. 30, 2023.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If that’s your situation, you should contact your local social services office. \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/county-offices\">Find your local social services office.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Call 211\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>CalFresh officials say that if you are in “immediate need of food assistance,” you can dial 211 and speak with someone about food services that are available in your area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This hotline is open 24 hours a day, but they warn that “not all areas provide 211 phone support.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Alternatively, the CalFresh Info Line can be reached at (877) 847-3663. The California Department of Social Services Helpline is (888) 445-1955, which CalFresh says can also offer information and assistance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Use your county’s food access programs\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These are food assistance options that are separate from food banks, although sometimes they work together. Your county may provide locations where you can pick up free food, or offer other ways of getting free or low-cost meals that include delivery.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Food assistance options in the city and county of San Francisco:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/services/food/free-food-locations\">Free food locations offering both groceries and meals\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/services/disability-aging-services/groceries-meals\">Options for having meals delivered to your home\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/sites/default/files/Directory_Community%20meals%202022-23.pdf\">Locations where you can find a community meal (PDF)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchampss.org/our-program/\">Choosing Healthy Appetizing Meal Plan Solution for Seniors (CHAMPSS)\u003c/a>, a restaurant partnership that offers adults age 60 and older ways to eat subsidized meals at designated restaurants in San Francisco, with a suggested (optional) contribution of $4\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Food assistance options in Contra Costa County:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://cchealth.org/foodsecurity/everyone.php\">A food assistance program\u003c/a> that provides one member of lower-income households in the county a box of food every month\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://cchealth.org/foodsecurity/everyone.php\">The Community Produce Program\u003c/a> that offers one member of each household one or two bags of fresh fruits and vegetables, twice a month (own bag is required)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Contra Costa County residents can call (855) 309-FOOD (3663) for more information.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Food assistance options in Alameda County:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://foodnow.net/\">FoodNow\u003c/a>: A site managed with the Alameda County Community Food Bank that connects county residents to different food sources, including emergency groceries\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://www.acgov.org/maps/food-services.htm\">Map of food services and distribution locations in Alameda County\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://covid-19.acgov.org/covid19-assets/docs/food-housing-finance/food-access-resource-list-2021.06.21.pdf\">List of food services and distribution locations in Alameda County (PDF)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.alamedacountysocialservices.org/ex/our-services/Work-and-Money/General-Assistance/index\">General Assistance\u003c/a>: Cash aid for certain residents of Alameda County\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Food assistance options in Marin County:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marinhhs.org/resources/Food/Congregate-Meals\">Congregate meal options in Marin County\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marinhhs.org/resources/Food/Food-Pantries\">Food pantry and distribution options in Marin County\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marinhhs.org/resources/Food/Home-Delivered-Meals%2C-Food\">Home-delivered meals in Marin County\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Food assistance options in San Mateo County:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/food\">Food assistance resources\u003c/a>, including details of meals for K–12 students and college students\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Food assistance options in Napa County:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://fifnv.org/wp-content/uploads/FoodResources.pdf\">A list of food services and distribution locations, including groceries, in Napa County (PDF)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://fifnv.org/events\">A list of food services and distribution locations, including groceries, in Napa County (calendar view)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Food assistance options in Solano County:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/emergencies/emfood.asp\">Resources for emergency food assistance in Solano County\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Food assistance options in Sonoma County:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/health-and-human-services/human-services/divisions-and-services/economic-assistance/food-and-nutrition-benefits/other-food-programs\">Meals and food service resources in Sonoma County\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Food assistance options in Santa Clara County:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://socialservices.sccgov.org/food-assistance\">Food resources, including delivery, for older adults in Santa Clara County\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Get free produce at a farmers market that’s participating in California’s Fruit and Vegetable EBT pilot \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The state’s Fruit and Vegetable EBT pilot provides CalFresh participants with up to $60 per month in rebates when they use their EBT card to pay for California-grown produce at a limited number of farmers markets and grocery stores statewide.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>How it works: If you have funds on your EBT card and use them to pay for eligible produce at a participating location, you’ll instantly get a rebate for the cost of that produce — effectively making it free at the point of sale.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>More stores will be participating in this pilot program in 2023. But right now, you can get up to $60 worth of California-grown produce with your EBT card at the following farmers markets and stores in the wider Bay Area:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://napafarmersmarket.org/\">\u003cem>Napa Farmers Market\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>110 West Street, Napa, CA 94559 (already in effect at the Saturday market; starts April 4 at the Tuesday market)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://splashpad.org/farmers-market/\">\u003cem>Grand Lake Farmers Market\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>746 Grand Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610 (starting April 8)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://marketlocations.com/\">Country Club Plaza Farmers Market\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>2405 Butano Drive, Sacramento, CA 95828\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>See the \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/ebt/california-fruit-vegetable-ebt-pilot-project\">full list of stores and farmers markets that are already participating in the Fruit and Vegetables EBT pilot\u003c/a>, as well as the Bay Area locations that will start participating in April 2023 (dates TBD).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Apply for WIC\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC) provides food assistance to lower-income families who have young children or are expecting a new child. Like CalFresh, it’s federally funded, and you can receive WIC benefits on top of your CalFresh benefits.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The program is income-based, and is available to pregnant people, plus new parents and grandparents of young children. \u003ca href=\"https://myfamily.wic.ca.gov/Home/HowCanIGetWIC#howToGetWIC\">See whether you’re eligible for WIC and apply online.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Use Market Match to double your CalFresh or WIC dollars at a farmers market\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://marketmatch.org/\">Market Match\u003c/a> is a statewide program that enables you to double your CalFresh or Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC) funds at certain farmers markets and farm-direct locations near you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>How it works: Use the Market Match map to \u003ca href=\"http://ecologycenter.org/fmfinder/\">find a participating farmers market or other farm-direct location near you\u003c/a>, and when you arrive during operating hours, go to that market’s information booth with your EBT card and ask for Market Match. \u003ca href=\"https://marketmatch.org/about/how-it-works/\">Your EBT card will be swiped for a dollar amount of your choice\u003c/a>, and in return you’ll receive tokens for double that dollar amount to spend at the market. (Another way of looking at it: Market Match effectively gives you 50% off produce you buy at participating farmers markets.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some markets will have a limit on the amount of CalFresh or WIC dollars you can have matched (often $10); others have no limit. Consider watching \u003ca href=\"https://marketmatch.org/about/how-it-works/\">Market Match’s short “how it works” video\u003c/a> before using Market Match for the first time at a farmers market.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Find a food bank or community pantry near you\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can \u003ca href=\"https://www.cafoodbanks.org/our-members/\">find a local foodbank through the California Association of Food Banks\u003c/a>, or keep scrolling for a list of food banks and community kitchens, pantries and more near you:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>San Francisco:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmfoodbank.org/\">SF-Marin Food Bank\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.stanthonysf.org/\">St. Anthony Foundation\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://www.glide.org/\">Glide Memorial Church\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfcityimpact.com/programs/#hunger\">San Francisco City Impact\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.foodrunners.org/\">Food Runners\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.oldfirst.org/volunteer.html\">Old First Presbyterian Church Inter-Faith Food Pantry\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>East Bay:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://www.accfb.org/\">Alameda County Community Food Bank\u003c/a> (and \u003ca href=\"https://www.accfb.org/get-involved/volunteer-community/\">ACCFB’s partner organizations\u003c/a>)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://www.loavesfishescc.org/\">Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.berkeleyfoodpantry.org/\">Berkeley Food Pantry\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.edfufoundation.org/bay-area-street-pantry.html\">Bay Area Street Pantry\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://unitycouncil.org/program/food-distribution/\">Unity Council’s Food Security Project\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://trivalleyhaven.org/homeless-and-family-support/food-pantry/\">Tri-Valley Haven Food Pantry\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://www.refp.org/\">Richmond Emergency Food Pantry\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://tmcoakland.org/\">Telegraph Community Ministry Center\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>North Bay:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://www.vinnies.org/\">St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin County\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmfoodbank.org/\">SF-Marin Food Bank\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://canv.org/\">Community Action of Napa Valley Food Bank\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://www.refb.org/\">Redwood Empire Food Bank\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>South Bay:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.shfb.org/\">Second Harvest of Silicon Valley\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://www.marthas-kitchen.org/\">Martha’s Kitchen\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sacredheartcs.org/\">Sacred Heart Community Service\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://rolfusa.org/food-pantry-more\">River of Life Foundation Food Pantry\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Other, smaller food banks and community fridges may be operating in your area.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"tellus\">\u003c/a>Tell us: What else do you need information about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2023. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, helpful explainers and guides about issues like COVID\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11936674/how-to-prepare-for-this-weeks-atmospheric-river-storm-sandbags-emergency-kits-and-more\">how to cope with intense winter weather\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will make our reporting stronger, and help us decide what to cover here on our site, and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[hearken id=\"10483\" src=\"https://modules.wearehearken.com/kqed/embed/10483.js\"]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story contains additional reporting by KQED’s Sara Hossaini, and has been updated to include the latest numbers from the California Department of Social Services on how many people statewide use CalFresh.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "In April, millions of households across California will see their CalFresh food stamps benefits drop due to a change in federal funding. Here's what to do if you're affected.",
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"description": "In April, millions of households across California will see their CalFresh food stamps benefits drop due to a change in federal funding. Here's what to do if you're affected.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>This story was updated at 1:40 p.m., Thursday, April 6.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003c/strong>\u003ca href=\"#foodsupport\">\u003cstrong>Where to find additional money and food support if your CalFresh benefits are dropping\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/data-portal/research-and-data/calfresh-data-dashboard\">Over 3 million households around California use CalFresh\u003c/a>, the state’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the food benefits program also known as “food stamps.” According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/data-portal/research-and-data/calfresh-data-dashboard\">the state’s most recent data from January 2023\u003c/a>, that’s more than 5 million people using these funds to ensure they have access to food.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During the pandemic, folks using CalFresh have been receiving extra funds, called “emergency allotments,” in recognition of the extreme challenges the COVID pandemic has been causing to people’s lives and jobs. This increase was at least $95 in CalFresh benefits per month.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But starting in April, CalFresh users will notice a big drop in their food benefits. That’s because \u003ca href=\"https://cdss.ca.gov/calfreshcovid19\">those extra CalFresh pandemic funds were discontinued on Feb. 28\u003c/a>, making March the last month the emergency allotments will appear in your CalFresh benefits.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading to find out why this is happening, or jump straight to \u003ca href=\"#foodsupport\">where you can find additional food support and benefits\u003c/a> if you’re going to be affected by this drop in CalFresh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Are you a student on CalFresh? \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11945814/college-students-your-calfresh-eligibility-is-about-to-change-heres-what-to-do\">Read more about how your eligibility for food benefits is also changing starting June 10.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#tellus\">Tell us: What else do you need information about right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Why is this drop in my CalFresh benefits happening?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The sharp reduction in CalFresh funds is due to federal funding changes for SNAP programs across the whole United States — not because of a change in California law.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In March 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) — the federal agency that oversees SNAP programs nationwide — gave states extra funding so they could increase food benefits for people using SNAP. The increase allowed California to up the amount CalFresh users received every month, either to the maximum amount allowed or by adding a $95 increase for the people already getting the maximum.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But now, a 2023 Congressional spending bill — the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 — has ended the pandemic-era release of these extra funds to households across the U.S.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>So how much money in CalFresh benefits will I now lose?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Starting in April, your CalFresh benefits will go back down to their pre-pandemic levels, according to what you’re currently eligible for.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These emergency allotments were $95 \u003cem>minimum\u003c/em>. So the end of these extra funds means that a person using CalFresh \u003cem>at the very least\u003c/em> is losing $95 each month in their food benefits.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CalFreshOutreach/Brochures/Income_Inserts_FFY2023-English.pdf?ver=2022-09-27-105231-437\">Both your regular CalFresh benefits and how much emergency allotment you’ve been receiving are calculated based on your personal circumstances (PDF)\u003c/a>, which includes how many people are in your household, what your income is and what tax deductions you claim. The bigger your household and the lower your income, the larger your CalFresh benefits will be.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003c/strong>\u003ca href=\"#foodsupport\">\u003cstrong>Where to find additional money and food support if your CalFresh benefits are dropping\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CalFreshOutreach/Brochures/Income_Inserts_FFY2023-English.pdf?ver=2022-09-27-105231-437\">You can go here to see the income thresholds and maximum CalFresh monthly allotments (PDF)\u003c/a> that are currently in effect through Sept. 30, 2023. But remember that the dollar amounts for regular CalFresh allotments shown in the table below represent the \u003cem>absolute maximum amount\u003c/em> available to a household based on their circumstances, not the average. \u003ca href=\"https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fy-2023-cola\">The minimum CalFresh allotment available is $23.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11943797\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1242px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11943797\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/calfresh-elig2.png\" alt=\"A table that shows Maximum Monthly allotments for CalFresh users\" width=\"1242\" height=\"817\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/calfresh-elig2.png 1242w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/calfresh-elig2-800x526.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/calfresh-elig2-1020x671.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/calfresh-elig2-160x105.png 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1242px) 100vw, 1242px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A table that shows maximum monthly allotments for CalFresh users. \u003ccite>(California Department of Social Services)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>How will this affect Californians using CalFresh?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>CalMatters has reported that since November, \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/california-divide/2023/02/calfresh-emergency-allotments-ending/\">the extra emergency allotment boosts have amounted to more than $500 million a month\u003c/a> in additional food stamps for lower-income Californians, according to USDA data. Becky Silva, government relations director at the California Association of Food Banks, told CalMatters that a single-person household could see their food aid drop from $281 a month to as low as $23 in April.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In San Francisco alone, officials at the city’s Human Services Agency (SFHSA) estimated in a March 1 press conference that around 70,000 households receiving CalFresh — more than 96,000 individuals — will lose an average of $160 per month, totaling a loss of $11.5 million citywide. The SFHSA estimates that older people, people with disabilities and families with multiple children will be most affected by these CalFresh changes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), the agency that administers CalFresh, says that it’s been using “many methods of communication” to alert CalFresh users about the imminent drop in funds, including texts, social media, automated phone calls and a January mailer sent to all people using CalFresh. This messaging, the agency says, has been translated into Spanish, Vietnamese, Armenian and Cantonese.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In its \u003ca href=\"https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/13/CFF-COVID/emergency-allotment-flyer-english.pdf\">official flyer warning of the CalFresh funding changes (PDF)\u003c/a>, CDSS advises people being hit by this sudden drop in food benefits in April that they can “get free food from your local food bank” as an “additional food resource.” The agency notes that both the state and the USDA also have made more funding available to food banks recently.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, many advocates are deeply concerned about the impact on hunger in California. Particularly concerned are food bank representatives, whose organizations have already seen huge demand during the pandemic, and are themselves being squeezed by the food inflation that’s affecting the people that food banks serve.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/california-divide/2023/02/calfresh-emergency-allotments-ending/\">“There’s no way to overstate how devastating this is going to be,”\u003c/a> Silva from the California Association of Food Banks told CalMatters. “Families are going to see a dramatic and sudden drop in their food benefits at a time when food price inflation and the cost of living in California especially is through the roof.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mike Altfest, Alameda County Community Food Bank’s director of community engagement, says that the loss in Alameda County alone will amount to more than 3 million meals in the county per month. “Our food bank can’t make up 3.1 million meals,” Altfest said. “It’s physically impossible.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re going to see a huge jump in demand,” he said. “And I think food banks across the country are going to struggle to make this up.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Altfest says that many food banks across the state are joining forces with lawmakers and “working on a number of bills and proposals that we’ve been lobbying for.” These measures not only \u003ca href=\"https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-03-02/millions-of-californians-see-catastrophic-end-of-covid-19-food-benefits-as-inflation-climbs\">advocate for increased state funding for food banks, but also for the state to augment federal SNAP benefits\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"foodsupport\">\u003c/a>Where can I find additional money and support if my CalFresh benefits are dropping?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>First, make sure you’re getting all the CalFresh benefits you’re entitled to\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If your income has gone down, or stopped because you’ve lost your job or your expenses have risen, you may be eligible for more CalFresh benefits. (\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CalFreshOutreach/Brochures/Income_Inserts_FFY2023-English.pdf?ver=2022-09-27-105231-437\">See the income thresholds and maximum CalFresh monthly allotments [PDF]\u003c/a> that are currently in effect through Sept. 30, 2023.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If that’s your situation, you should contact your local social services office. \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/county-offices\">Find your local social services office.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Call 211\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>CalFresh officials say that if you are in “immediate need of food assistance,” you can dial 211 and speak with someone about food services that are available in your area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This hotline is open 24 hours a day, but they warn that “not all areas provide 211 phone support.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Alternatively, the CalFresh Info Line can be reached at (877) 847-3663. The California Department of Social Services Helpline is (888) 445-1955, which CalFresh says can also offer information and assistance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Use your county’s food access programs\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These are food assistance options that are separate from food banks, although sometimes they work together. Your county may provide locations where you can pick up free food, or offer other ways of getting free or low-cost meals that include delivery.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Food assistance options in the city and county of San Francisco:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/services/food/free-food-locations\">Free food locations offering both groceries and meals\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/services/disability-aging-services/groceries-meals\">Options for having meals delivered to your home\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfhsa.org/sites/default/files/Directory_Community%20meals%202022-23.pdf\">Locations where you can find a community meal (PDF)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchampss.org/our-program/\">Choosing Healthy Appetizing Meal Plan Solution for Seniors (CHAMPSS)\u003c/a>, a restaurant partnership that offers adults age 60 and older ways to eat subsidized meals at designated restaurants in San Francisco, with a suggested (optional) contribution of $4\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Food assistance options in Contra Costa County:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://cchealth.org/foodsecurity/everyone.php\">A food assistance program\u003c/a> that provides one member of lower-income households in the county a box of food every month\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://cchealth.org/foodsecurity/everyone.php\">The Community Produce Program\u003c/a> that offers one member of each household one or two bags of fresh fruits and vegetables, twice a month (own bag is required)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Contra Costa County residents can call (855) 309-FOOD (3663) for more information.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Food assistance options in Alameda County:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://foodnow.net/\">FoodNow\u003c/a>: A site managed with the Alameda County Community Food Bank that connects county residents to different food sources, including emergency groceries\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://www.acgov.org/maps/food-services.htm\">Map of food services and distribution locations in Alameda County\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://covid-19.acgov.org/covid19-assets/docs/food-housing-finance/food-access-resource-list-2021.06.21.pdf\">List of food services and distribution locations in Alameda County (PDF)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.alamedacountysocialservices.org/ex/our-services/Work-and-Money/General-Assistance/index\">General Assistance\u003c/a>: Cash aid for certain residents of Alameda County\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Food assistance options in Marin County:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marinhhs.org/resources/Food/Congregate-Meals\">Congregate meal options in Marin County\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marinhhs.org/resources/Food/Food-Pantries\">Food pantry and distribution options in Marin County\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marinhhs.org/resources/Food/Home-Delivered-Meals%2C-Food\">Home-delivered meals in Marin County\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Food assistance options in San Mateo County:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/food\">Food assistance resources\u003c/a>, including details of meals for K–12 students and college students\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Food assistance options in Napa County:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://fifnv.org/wp-content/uploads/FoodResources.pdf\">A list of food services and distribution locations, including groceries, in Napa County (PDF)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://fifnv.org/events\">A list of food services and distribution locations, including groceries, in Napa County (calendar view)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Food assistance options in Solano County:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/emergencies/emfood.asp\">Resources for emergency food assistance in Solano County\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Food assistance options in Sonoma County:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/health-and-human-services/human-services/divisions-and-services/economic-assistance/food-and-nutrition-benefits/other-food-programs\">Meals and food service resources in Sonoma County\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Food assistance options in Santa Clara County:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://socialservices.sccgov.org/food-assistance\">Food resources, including delivery, for older adults in Santa Clara County\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Get free produce at a farmers market that’s participating in California’s Fruit and Vegetable EBT pilot \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The state’s Fruit and Vegetable EBT pilot provides CalFresh participants with up to $60 per month in rebates when they use their EBT card to pay for California-grown produce at a limited number of farmers markets and grocery stores statewide.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>How it works: If you have funds on your EBT card and use them to pay for eligible produce at a participating location, you’ll instantly get a rebate for the cost of that produce — effectively making it free at the point of sale.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>More stores will be participating in this pilot program in 2023. But right now, you can get up to $60 worth of California-grown produce with your EBT card at the following farmers markets and stores in the wider Bay Area:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://napafarmersmarket.org/\">\u003cem>Napa Farmers Market\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>110 West Street, Napa, CA 94559 (already in effect at the Saturday market; starts April 4 at the Tuesday market)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://splashpad.org/farmers-market/\">\u003cem>Grand Lake Farmers Market\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>746 Grand Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610 (starting April 8)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://marketlocations.com/\">Country Club Plaza Farmers Market\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>2405 Butano Drive, Sacramento, CA 95828\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>See the \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/ebt/california-fruit-vegetable-ebt-pilot-project\">full list of stores and farmers markets that are already participating in the Fruit and Vegetables EBT pilot\u003c/a>, as well as the Bay Area locations that will start participating in April 2023 (dates TBD).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Apply for WIC\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC) provides food assistance to lower-income families who have young children or are expecting a new child. Like CalFresh, it’s federally funded, and you can receive WIC benefits on top of your CalFresh benefits.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The program is income-based, and is available to pregnant people, plus new parents and grandparents of young children. \u003ca href=\"https://myfamily.wic.ca.gov/Home/HowCanIGetWIC#howToGetWIC\">See whether you’re eligible for WIC and apply online.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Use Market Match to double your CalFresh or WIC dollars at a farmers market\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://marketmatch.org/\">Market Match\u003c/a> is a statewide program that enables you to double your CalFresh or Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC) funds at certain farmers markets and farm-direct locations near you.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>How it works: Use the Market Match map to \u003ca href=\"http://ecologycenter.org/fmfinder/\">find a participating farmers market or other farm-direct location near you\u003c/a>, and when you arrive during operating hours, go to that market’s information booth with your EBT card and ask for Market Match. \u003ca href=\"https://marketmatch.org/about/how-it-works/\">Your EBT card will be swiped for a dollar amount of your choice\u003c/a>, and in return you’ll receive tokens for double that dollar amount to spend at the market. (Another way of looking at it: Market Match effectively gives you 50% off produce you buy at participating farmers markets.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some markets will have a limit on the amount of CalFresh or WIC dollars you can have matched (often $10); others have no limit. Consider watching \u003ca href=\"https://marketmatch.org/about/how-it-works/\">Market Match’s short “how it works” video\u003c/a> before using Market Match for the first time at a farmers market.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Find a food bank or community pantry near you\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can \u003ca href=\"https://www.cafoodbanks.org/our-members/\">find a local foodbank through the California Association of Food Banks\u003c/a>, or keep scrolling for a list of food banks and community kitchens, pantries and more near you:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>San Francisco:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmfoodbank.org/\">SF-Marin Food Bank\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.stanthonysf.org/\">St. Anthony Foundation\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://www.glide.org/\">Glide Memorial Church\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfcityimpact.com/programs/#hunger\">San Francisco City Impact\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.foodrunners.org/\">Food Runners\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.oldfirst.org/volunteer.html\">Old First Presbyterian Church Inter-Faith Food Pantry\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>East Bay:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://www.accfb.org/\">Alameda County Community Food Bank\u003c/a> (and \u003ca href=\"https://www.accfb.org/get-involved/volunteer-community/\">ACCFB’s partner organizations\u003c/a>)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://www.loavesfishescc.org/\">Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.berkeleyfoodpantry.org/\">Berkeley Food Pantry\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.edfufoundation.org/bay-area-street-pantry.html\">Bay Area Street Pantry\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://unitycouncil.org/program/food-distribution/\">Unity Council’s Food Security Project\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://trivalleyhaven.org/homeless-and-family-support/food-pantry/\">Tri-Valley Haven Food Pantry\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://www.refp.org/\">Richmond Emergency Food Pantry\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://tmcoakland.org/\">Telegraph Community Ministry Center\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>North Bay:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://www.vinnies.org/\">St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin County\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmfoodbank.org/\">SF-Marin Food Bank\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://canv.org/\">Community Action of Napa Valley Food Bank\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://www.refb.org/\">Redwood Empire Food Bank\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>South Bay:\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.shfb.org/\">Second Harvest of Silicon Valley\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://www.marthas-kitchen.org/\">Martha’s Kitchen\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sacredheartcs.org/\">Sacred Heart Community Service\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://rolfusa.org/food-pantry-more\">River of Life Foundation Food Pantry\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Other, smaller food banks and community fridges may be operating in your area.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"tellus\">\u003c/a>Tell us: What else do you need information about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2023. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, helpful explainers and guides about issues like COVID\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11936674/how-to-prepare-for-this-weeks-atmospheric-river-storm-sandbags-emergency-kits-and-more\">how to cope with intense winter weather\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will make our reporting stronger, and help us decide what to cover here on our site, and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story contains additional reporting by KQED’s Sara Hossaini, and has been updated to include the latest numbers from the California Department of Social Services on how many people statewide use CalFresh.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "should-everyone-be-trying-to-get-paxlovid-for-covid-now-yes-basically",
"title": "Have COVID? Request Paxlovid Even if You're 'Not High Risk.' Here's Why",
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"content": "\u003cp>If you’ve had COVID in the last year, did you try to find Paxlovid to treat your symptoms?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If the answer is no, you may want to reconsider if you get COVID again.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11914514/if-you-get-covid-should-you-try-to-get-paxlovid-heres-how-with-or-without-health-insurance\">Paxlovid (pronounced “pax-LOH-vid” or sometimes “PAX-loh-vid”) is a highly effective antiviral treatment\u003c/a> for COVID, available free by prescription in California. The treatment is fairly simple, and entails taking a pill orally twice a day, for five days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#eligiblepaxlovid\">Yes, you’re probably eligible for Paxlovid now\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#paxlovidlongcovid\">How Paxlovid could cut your risks of long COVID\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#paxlovidfree\">Getting Paxlovid won’t always be this simple, or free\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#paxlovidrebound\">Don’t be put off by “Paxlovid rebound”\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Back in December 2021, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-first-oral-antiviral-treatment-covid-19\">Paxlovid was the first oral antiviral treatment for COVID\u003c/a> authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But due to limited supply, \u003ca href=\"https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/pfizers-new-covid-antiviral-pill-paxlovid-now-available-for-limited-use/2022/01\">Paxlovid was initially only used to treat the patients deemed most at risk\u003c/a> from severe illness from COVID. Later in 2022, it was expanded to more pharmacies across the United States as part of\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2022/04/26/1094735822/biden-will-make-paxlovid-a-highly-effective-covid-drug-available-to-more-pharmac\"> a nationwide push to get Paxlovid to more COVID patients\u003c/a> who could benefit from it due to existing health factors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Because of how we all first learned about Paxlovid, many of us might still think of it as a treatment still reserved for only the most high-risk patients. But what you think you know about Paxlovid might well have changed in the last year. Keep reading for everything you need to know about taking Paxlovid in 2023.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Tested positive for COVID and want to try to get Paxlovid? \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11914514/if-you-get-covid-should-you-try-to-get-paxlovid-heres-how-with-or-without-health-insurance\">Read our guide to finding a Paxlovid prescription.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"eligiblepaxlovid\">\u003c/a>Officials say: Go ahead and seek out Paxlovid\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>According to the FDA, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/know-your-treatment-options-covid-19\">all patients with “mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of disease progression”\u003c/a> should be eligible for Paxlovid. And in the last few months, California has gone further to urge providers to consider prescribing the COVID treatment to even more people — not just the most at risk for severe illness.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In December, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/CAHAN/Reminder-to-Prescribe-COVID-19-Therapeutics-to-Mitigate-Impact-of-Winter-Respiratory-Surge.aspx\">the state’s Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás J. Aragón sent a message to California health providers\u003c/a> reminding them of “ample supply” of Paxlovid, and urging that “all symptomatic patients with a positive COVID-19 test of any type should be evaluated for treatments.”[aside postID=news_11914514 hero='https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56314_GettyImages-1387450683-qut-1020x680.jpg']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A provider should only refuse to prescribe Paxlovid, said the state, in “situations in which the risk of prescribing clearly outweighs the benefits of treatment in preventing hospitalization, death, and the potential for reduced risk of long COVID.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>All of this means that as a patient, when it comes to Paxlovid, assume you could be eligible until you’re told otherwise, and seek out that prescription, urges Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, infectious disease expert at UCSF.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“People aren’t great about determining whether or not they’re the highest risk or not,” says Chin-Hong. “I think the assumption [should be]: You qualify.” You may also not be familiar with all the conditions that put a person at higher risk for COVID: For example, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html\">the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s list of possible risk factors includes mental health conditions and mood disorders\u003c/a> like depression, and also lists being a current or former smoker.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://twitter.com/TeacupInTheBay/status/1633262542960361474\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"paxlovidlongcovid\">\u003c/a>Paxlovid could reduce your risks of long COVID and other long-term health impacts\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In late 2022, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs released the results of \u003ca href=\"https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5837\">a study that showed that COVID patients within the VA population who took Paxlovid within five days of their positive test had “a 25% decreased risk of developing 10 of 12 different Long COVID conditions studied”\u003c/a> — which include fatigue, neurocognitive impairment, muscle pain, shortness of breath and liver, heart and kidney disease.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Chin-Hong says that he thinks the possible benefit of Paxlovid on long COVID could even exceed the findings of the VA study. The “biologic reason” for that, he says, is rooted in why people get long COVID in the first place.[aside postID=news_11941531 hero='https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS63121_GettyImages-1240474358-qut-1020x642.jpg']In the simplest terms, “it’s when the virus gets in the bloodstream, and your immune system gets super angry and whacked out,” Chin-Hong explains. “So things that kick the virus \u003cem>out\u003c/em> of the bloodstream earlier would therefore potentially lead to a lower probability of long COVID,” he says — because your body has less time for the immune system to react badly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keeping COVID out of your bloodstream, says Chin-Hong, is also the reason why vaccination is so effective: “Because your T cells and B cells are super active [after the vaccine], even if your antibodies are waning, they would just kick the virus out.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This is \u003cem>also\u003c/em> the reason why having a newer COVID variant, like omicron, can have an effect on how sick you get from COVID, and reduce your risks of long COVID. The original strain of COVID and the delta variant are “worse than omicron,” says Chin-Hong, “because omicron preferentially sticks around in the throat, and doesn’t seem to enter the body as efficiently as the other variants.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“So that’s why Paxlovid, vaccination status and having a newer variant like omicron are generally protective against long COVID,” he sums up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dr. Bob Wachter, professor and chair of the department of medicine at UCSF, echoed Chin-Hong’s sentiments recently, telling \u003cem>The San Francisco Chronicle\u003c/em> that \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/pfizer-paxlovid-long-covid-17816217.php\">while the VA study isn’t huge, it still shows Paxlovid can make “a meaningful difference” in the fight against long COVID\u003c/a>. That’s one of the reasons he himself would take Paxlovid if he had COVID, said Wachter.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>You no longer need a positive PCR test to get a Paxlovid prescription\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Previously, if you wanted to get a prescription for Paxlovid, you’d need to provide proof of a positive COVID test.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But as of Feb. 1, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/media/155049/download\">you no longer need to provide this positive test to get a Paxlovid prescription\u003c/a>, removing another obstacle between you and a potential course of this antiviral treatment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just because you don’t \u003cem>need\u003c/em> to submit proof of a positive test to your provider doesn’t necessarily mean that you should forget about testing altogether, says Chin-Hong. While it’s great that “people don’t feel encumbered by hoops they have to jump through,” he says having a positive diagnosis is still a good thing “to know what you’re dealing with,” so that you’re not, for example, assuming you have COVID when you actually have the flu.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Knowing you’re COVID-positive is also important for being aware of the infection risk you’re posing to others, especially those who are more vulnerable for severe disease.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"paxlovidfree\">\u003c/a>It won’t always be this (comparatively) easy to get Paxlovid\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>California’s COVID state of emergency ended on Feb. 28, and the White House has announced that \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2023/01/30/1152702709/covid-emergency-declarations-end-white-house\">the federal state of emergency for COVID will end on May 11\u003c/a> — something that will have big effects upon nationwide funding for COVID vaccines, testing and treatment.[aside postID=news_11940562 hero='https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS62644_GettyImages-1237599780-qut-1020x680.jpg']California has recently enacted several laws that force insurers to keep covering COVID care even after the state and federal states of emergency wind down, including \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB1473\">State Bill 1473\u003c/a>, which specifically requires insurers to keep covering the costs of COVID therapeutic treatments like Paxlovid. But this law only keeps the current situation in place until six months after the \u003ca href=\"https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-02-07/with-covid-emergency-ending-will-i-have-to-pay-for-tests\">end of the federal emergency on Nov. 11\u003c/a>. Which means that after that date, if you want Paxlovid and you’re insured, you’ll have to make sure you are obtaining these services “in network” — and you could get stung by out-of-pocket costs if you don’t.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for those without insurance, \u003ca href=\"https://sesamecare.com/covidca\">free Paxlovid consultations and prescriptions are still available in California via the state’s telehealth service, Sesame\u003c/a>. But nationally, the White House’s COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish K. Jha has promised that in the longer term, “likely over the summer or early fall,” the country will “transition from US government distributed vaccines and treatments to those purchased through the regular healthcare system,” and that the White House is “committed to ensuring that vaccines and treatments are accessible and not prohibitively expensive for uninsured Americans.” Which does not necessarily mean they will be free.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Seriously, it’s going to be very complicated,” warns Chin-Hong. The last few years, he says, now feel like “we were living in a fantasy land, where — at least around COVID — it doesn’t matter who you are and what you are: Everything was free.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But come Nov. 11, as a state “we’re kind of going back to stratified land where the rules are complicated and people have to have different decisions based on how much cost sharing they’re going to have,” he says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11915707\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11915707\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56314_GettyImages-1387450683-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A box of the COVID antiviral drug Paxlovid, held up by two hands presumably belonging to a health care worker, because they're wearing blue scrubs. The box says "PAXLOVID 150 mg + 100 mg film-coated tablets".\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56314_GettyImages-1387450683-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56314_GettyImages-1387450683-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56314_GettyImages-1387450683-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56314_GettyImages-1387450683-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56314_GettyImages-1387450683-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A box of the COVID antiviral drug Paxlovid. \u003ccite>(Europa Press/C.Lujan.POOL via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"paxlovidrebound\">\u003c/a>Don’t be put off by ‘Paxlovid rebound’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In a nutshell, \u003ca href=\"https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/han00467.asp\">the “Paxlovid rebound”\u003c/a> is when someone tests positive for COVID and takes Paxlovid, and tests negative on an antigen test for COVID after several days — but then redevelops their COVID symptoms and tests positive \u003cem>again\u003c/em> on an antigen test after that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2022, Dr. Bob Wachter told KQED that, in these cases, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11914514/if-you-get-covid-should-you-try-to-get-paxlovid-heres-how-with-or-without-health-insurance\">the negative test comes on average on Day 7 or 8 of a COVID infection\u003c/a>, and that the positive “rebound” test and return of symptoms happens around Day 11 or 12. Rebound infections, he said, “tend to be mild,” even though they last roughly another five to seven days — and you should assume you’re infectious again if you test positive that second time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A lot of folks hear about the “Paxlovid rebound” and get discouraged from seeking out Paxlovid, says Chin-Hong. But he also says that what a lot of people don’t know is that people can sometimes “rebound” with COVID anyway — even \u003cem>without\u003c/em> taking Paxlovid.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Chin-Hong says he’s “seen so many studies now” at this stage of the pandemic that show swabs of COVID patients both with and without Paxlovid with “very similar rates of the virus coming back, with and without symptoms.” In short, “we don’t have any evidence at this point that Paxlovid causes more rebound than natural infection, when you study people systematically,” says Chin-Hong.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Nobody really knows why” COVID rebounds happen, says Chin-Hong. But he says that there’s a good chance that some folks are already \u003cem>getting\u003c/em> a COVID rebound, without Paxlovid, and just aren’t realizing it. After a COVID infection, “you’re probably not paying attention beyond the first negative that you got,” he suggests, and “you just dismiss that sniffling nose or whatever … you’re out of the five days and you’re celebrating.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ultimately, says Chin-Hong, there’s “this probably biphasic aspect of COVID” that just hasn’t been studied much yet. But all this is to say: Don’t let the idea of a “Paxlovid rebound” dissuade you from taking Paxlovid when you might greatly benefit from it — because a rebound infection could hit you anyway even \u003cem>without\u003c/em> the Paxlovid.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>And finally: Paxlovid remains highly effective for treating COVID\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/treatments-for-severe-illness.html\">Antiviral medications like Paxlovid work by stopping viruses from multiplying in the body.\u003c/a> Studies by Paxlovid’s manufacturer, Pfizer, show that in unvaccinated people at serious risk of COVID complications, \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/05/11/1097698090/3-ways-to-get-covid-pills-if-youve-just-tested-positive\">Paxlovid was nearly 90% effective at reducing the risk of hospitalization or death from COVID\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Paxlovid “attacks the virus in a mechanism that’s different than your immune system,” Wachter explained to KQED in 2022, when the treatment first became more widely available. The way Paxlovid works is particularly beneficial for immunosuppressed people whose immune systems didn’t produce a good response after getting their COVID vaccine — because “the Paxlovid should still work fine,” said Wachter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While Pfizer’s Paxlovid has become the more well-known COVID antiviral drug recently, a provider may still suggest the other major COVID antiviral: molnupiravir. While the FDA’s data has shown that \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/02/22/1081898013/doctors-find-limited-use-for-less-effective-covid-pill\">molnupiravir is a much less effective drug than Paxlovid\u003c/a>, doctors may still prescribe it instead for several reasons, including the risk of Paxlovid’s interactions with other medications you’re taking.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Not only is the powerful COVID antiviral drug Paxlovid now available for more people in California, there's growing evidence it also reduces long COVID risks.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>If you’ve had COVID in the last year, did you try to find Paxlovid to treat your symptoms?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If the answer is no, you may want to reconsider if you get COVID again.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11914514/if-you-get-covid-should-you-try-to-get-paxlovid-heres-how-with-or-without-health-insurance\">Paxlovid (pronounced “pax-LOH-vid” or sometimes “PAX-loh-vid”) is a highly effective antiviral treatment\u003c/a> for COVID, available free by prescription in California. The treatment is fairly simple, and entails taking a pill orally twice a day, for five days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#eligiblepaxlovid\">Yes, you’re probably eligible for Paxlovid now\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#paxlovidlongcovid\">How Paxlovid could cut your risks of long COVID\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#paxlovidfree\">Getting Paxlovid won’t always be this simple, or free\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#paxlovidrebound\">Don’t be put off by “Paxlovid rebound”\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Back in December 2021, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-first-oral-antiviral-treatment-covid-19\">Paxlovid was the first oral antiviral treatment for COVID\u003c/a> authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But due to limited supply, \u003ca href=\"https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/pfizers-new-covid-antiviral-pill-paxlovid-now-available-for-limited-use/2022/01\">Paxlovid was initially only used to treat the patients deemed most at risk\u003c/a> from severe illness from COVID. Later in 2022, it was expanded to more pharmacies across the United States as part of\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2022/04/26/1094735822/biden-will-make-paxlovid-a-highly-effective-covid-drug-available-to-more-pharmac\"> a nationwide push to get Paxlovid to more COVID patients\u003c/a> who could benefit from it due to existing health factors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Because of how we all first learned about Paxlovid, many of us might still think of it as a treatment still reserved for only the most high-risk patients. But what you think you know about Paxlovid might well have changed in the last year. Keep reading for everything you need to know about taking Paxlovid in 2023.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Tested positive for COVID and want to try to get Paxlovid? \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11914514/if-you-get-covid-should-you-try-to-get-paxlovid-heres-how-with-or-without-health-insurance\">Read our guide to finding a Paxlovid prescription.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"eligiblepaxlovid\">\u003c/a>Officials say: Go ahead and seek out Paxlovid\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>According to the FDA, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/know-your-treatment-options-covid-19\">all patients with “mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of disease progression”\u003c/a> should be eligible for Paxlovid. And in the last few months, California has gone further to urge providers to consider prescribing the COVID treatment to even more people — not just the most at risk for severe illness.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In December, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/CAHAN/Reminder-to-Prescribe-COVID-19-Therapeutics-to-Mitigate-Impact-of-Winter-Respiratory-Surge.aspx\">the state’s Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás J. Aragón sent a message to California health providers\u003c/a> reminding them of “ample supply” of Paxlovid, and urging that “all symptomatic patients with a positive COVID-19 test of any type should be evaluated for treatments.”\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A provider should only refuse to prescribe Paxlovid, said the state, in “situations in which the risk of prescribing clearly outweighs the benefits of treatment in preventing hospitalization, death, and the potential for reduced risk of long COVID.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>All of this means that as a patient, when it comes to Paxlovid, assume you could be eligible until you’re told otherwise, and seek out that prescription, urges Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, infectious disease expert at UCSF.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“People aren’t great about determining whether or not they’re the highest risk or not,” says Chin-Hong. “I think the assumption [should be]: You qualify.” You may also not be familiar with all the conditions that put a person at higher risk for COVID: For example, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html\">the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s list of possible risk factors includes mental health conditions and mood disorders\u003c/a> like depression, and also lists being a current or former smoker.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"paxlovidlongcovid\">\u003c/a>Paxlovid could reduce your risks of long COVID and other long-term health impacts\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In late 2022, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs released the results of \u003ca href=\"https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=5837\">a study that showed that COVID patients within the VA population who took Paxlovid within five days of their positive test had “a 25% decreased risk of developing 10 of 12 different Long COVID conditions studied”\u003c/a> — which include fatigue, neurocognitive impairment, muscle pain, shortness of breath and liver, heart and kidney disease.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Chin-Hong says that he thinks the possible benefit of Paxlovid on long COVID could even exceed the findings of the VA study. The “biologic reason” for that, he says, is rooted in why people get long COVID in the first place.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>In the simplest terms, “it’s when the virus gets in the bloodstream, and your immune system gets super angry and whacked out,” Chin-Hong explains. “So things that kick the virus \u003cem>out\u003c/em> of the bloodstream earlier would therefore potentially lead to a lower probability of long COVID,” he says — because your body has less time for the immune system to react badly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keeping COVID out of your bloodstream, says Chin-Hong, is also the reason why vaccination is so effective: “Because your T cells and B cells are super active [after the vaccine], even if your antibodies are waning, they would just kick the virus out.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This is \u003cem>also\u003c/em> the reason why having a newer COVID variant, like omicron, can have an effect on how sick you get from COVID, and reduce your risks of long COVID. The original strain of COVID and the delta variant are “worse than omicron,” says Chin-Hong, “because omicron preferentially sticks around in the throat, and doesn’t seem to enter the body as efficiently as the other variants.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“So that’s why Paxlovid, vaccination status and having a newer variant like omicron are generally protective against long COVID,” he sums up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dr. Bob Wachter, professor and chair of the department of medicine at UCSF, echoed Chin-Hong’s sentiments recently, telling \u003cem>The San Francisco Chronicle\u003c/em> that \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/pfizer-paxlovid-long-covid-17816217.php\">while the VA study isn’t huge, it still shows Paxlovid can make “a meaningful difference” in the fight against long COVID\u003c/a>. That’s one of the reasons he himself would take Paxlovid if he had COVID, said Wachter.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>You no longer need a positive PCR test to get a Paxlovid prescription\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Previously, if you wanted to get a prescription for Paxlovid, you’d need to provide proof of a positive COVID test.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But as of Feb. 1, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fda.gov/media/155049/download\">you no longer need to provide this positive test to get a Paxlovid prescription\u003c/a>, removing another obstacle between you and a potential course of this antiviral treatment.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just because you don’t \u003cem>need\u003c/em> to submit proof of a positive test to your provider doesn’t necessarily mean that you should forget about testing altogether, says Chin-Hong. While it’s great that “people don’t feel encumbered by hoops they have to jump through,” he says having a positive diagnosis is still a good thing “to know what you’re dealing with,” so that you’re not, for example, assuming you have COVID when you actually have the flu.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Knowing you’re COVID-positive is also important for being aware of the infection risk you’re posing to others, especially those who are more vulnerable for severe disease.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"paxlovidfree\">\u003c/a>It won’t always be this (comparatively) easy to get Paxlovid\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>California’s COVID state of emergency ended on Feb. 28, and the White House has announced that \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2023/01/30/1152702709/covid-emergency-declarations-end-white-house\">the federal state of emergency for COVID will end on May 11\u003c/a> — something that will have big effects upon nationwide funding for COVID vaccines, testing and treatment.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>California has recently enacted several laws that force insurers to keep covering COVID care even after the state and federal states of emergency wind down, including \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB1473\">State Bill 1473\u003c/a>, which specifically requires insurers to keep covering the costs of COVID therapeutic treatments like Paxlovid. But this law only keeps the current situation in place until six months after the \u003ca href=\"https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-02-07/with-covid-emergency-ending-will-i-have-to-pay-for-tests\">end of the federal emergency on Nov. 11\u003c/a>. Which means that after that date, if you want Paxlovid and you’re insured, you’ll have to make sure you are obtaining these services “in network” — and you could get stung by out-of-pocket costs if you don’t.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for those without insurance, \u003ca href=\"https://sesamecare.com/covidca\">free Paxlovid consultations and prescriptions are still available in California via the state’s telehealth service, Sesame\u003c/a>. But nationally, the White House’s COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish K. Jha has promised that in the longer term, “likely over the summer or early fall,” the country will “transition from US government distributed vaccines and treatments to those purchased through the regular healthcare system,” and that the White House is “committed to ensuring that vaccines and treatments are accessible and not prohibitively expensive for uninsured Americans.” Which does not necessarily mean they will be free.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Seriously, it’s going to be very complicated,” warns Chin-Hong. The last few years, he says, now feel like “we were living in a fantasy land, where — at least around COVID — it doesn’t matter who you are and what you are: Everything was free.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But come Nov. 11, as a state “we’re kind of going back to stratified land where the rules are complicated and people have to have different decisions based on how much cost sharing they’re going to have,” he says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11915707\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11915707\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56314_GettyImages-1387450683-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A box of the COVID antiviral drug Paxlovid, held up by two hands presumably belonging to a health care worker, because they're wearing blue scrubs. The box says "PAXLOVID 150 mg + 100 mg film-coated tablets".\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56314_GettyImages-1387450683-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56314_GettyImages-1387450683-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56314_GettyImages-1387450683-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56314_GettyImages-1387450683-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/06/RS56314_GettyImages-1387450683-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A box of the COVID antiviral drug Paxlovid. \u003ccite>(Europa Press/C.Lujan.POOL via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"paxlovidrebound\">\u003c/a>Don’t be put off by ‘Paxlovid rebound’\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In a nutshell, \u003ca href=\"https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/han00467.asp\">the “Paxlovid rebound”\u003c/a> is when someone tests positive for COVID and takes Paxlovid, and tests negative on an antigen test for COVID after several days — but then redevelops their COVID symptoms and tests positive \u003cem>again\u003c/em> on an antigen test after that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2022, Dr. Bob Wachter told KQED that, in these cases, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11914514/if-you-get-covid-should-you-try-to-get-paxlovid-heres-how-with-or-without-health-insurance\">the negative test comes on average on Day 7 or 8 of a COVID infection\u003c/a>, and that the positive “rebound” test and return of symptoms happens around Day 11 or 12. Rebound infections, he said, “tend to be mild,” even though they last roughly another five to seven days — and you should assume you’re infectious again if you test positive that second time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A lot of folks hear about the “Paxlovid rebound” and get discouraged from seeking out Paxlovid, says Chin-Hong. But he also says that what a lot of people don’t know is that people can sometimes “rebound” with COVID anyway — even \u003cem>without\u003c/em> taking Paxlovid.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Chin-Hong says he’s “seen so many studies now” at this stage of the pandemic that show swabs of COVID patients both with and without Paxlovid with “very similar rates of the virus coming back, with and without symptoms.” In short, “we don’t have any evidence at this point that Paxlovid causes more rebound than natural infection, when you study people systematically,” says Chin-Hong.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Nobody really knows why” COVID rebounds happen, says Chin-Hong. But he says that there’s a good chance that some folks are already \u003cem>getting\u003c/em> a COVID rebound, without Paxlovid, and just aren’t realizing it. After a COVID infection, “you’re probably not paying attention beyond the first negative that you got,” he suggests, and “you just dismiss that sniffling nose or whatever … you’re out of the five days and you’re celebrating.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ultimately, says Chin-Hong, there’s “this probably biphasic aspect of COVID” that just hasn’t been studied much yet. But all this is to say: Don’t let the idea of a “Paxlovid rebound” dissuade you from taking Paxlovid when you might greatly benefit from it — because a rebound infection could hit you anyway even \u003cem>without\u003c/em> the Paxlovid.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>And finally: Paxlovid remains highly effective for treating COVID\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/treatments-for-severe-illness.html\">Antiviral medications like Paxlovid work by stopping viruses from multiplying in the body.\u003c/a> Studies by Paxlovid’s manufacturer, Pfizer, show that in unvaccinated people at serious risk of COVID complications, \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/05/11/1097698090/3-ways-to-get-covid-pills-if-youve-just-tested-positive\">Paxlovid was nearly 90% effective at reducing the risk of hospitalization or death from COVID\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Paxlovid “attacks the virus in a mechanism that’s different than your immune system,” Wachter explained to KQED in 2022, when the treatment first became more widely available. The way Paxlovid works is particularly beneficial for immunosuppressed people whose immune systems didn’t produce a good response after getting their COVID vaccine — because “the Paxlovid should still work fine,” said Wachter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While Pfizer’s Paxlovid has become the more well-known COVID antiviral drug recently, a provider may still suggest the other major COVID antiviral: molnupiravir. While the FDA’s data has shown that \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/02/22/1081898013/doctors-find-limited-use-for-less-effective-covid-pill\">molnupiravir is a much less effective drug than Paxlovid\u003c/a>, doctors may still prescribe it instead for several reasons, including the risk of Paxlovid’s interactions with other medications you’re taking.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"title": "'Overflowing With Patients': Why the Head of California's Hospital Association Thinks It's a Bad Time to End the State of Emergency",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11941075/californias-covid-emergency-ends-feb-28-what-does-that-actually-mean-for-you\">California is formally ending its COVID-19 state of emergency\u003c/a> Tuesday after almost three years since the pandemic began.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This emergency declaration gave Gov. Gavin Newsom the power to suspend or change laws in California to combat COVID. These legal powers allowed Newsom to issue almost 600 pandemic-related health orders — the majority of which have now been lifted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On May 11, \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2023/01/30/1152702709/covid-emergency-declarations-end-white-house\">the White House will lift its own federal states of emergency for COVID\u003c/a>, which will have much bigger ramifications for funding around pandemic measures like vaccines, testing and treatments compared to California's earlier move. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11941075/californias-covid-emergency-ends-feb-28-what-does-that-actually-mean-for-you\">Californians will be protected, at least initially, from changes around health insurance\u003c/a> brought on by the federal emergencies ending — thanks to laws that have been passed within the state in the last few years that force insurers to keep covering certain COVID costs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Newsom administration is framing the Feb. 28 date for lifting the California state of emergency as \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11941075/californias-covid-emergency-ends-feb-28-what-does-that-actually-mean-for-you\">a logical step that was coming at the right time\u003c/a>, while acknowledging the crucial role played by these emergency powers in fighting the pandemic. But not everyone agrees it’s the right time to end these emergency powers in the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One of those people is Carmela Coyle, head of the California Hospital Association, who told \u003cem>The New York Times\u003c/em> earlier this month that \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/02/us/california-covid-state-of-emergency-ending.html\">February was \"a terrible time to end the public health emergency,\"\u003c/a> because of ongoing strain on California’s hospitals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Coyle spoke to KQED's Natalia Navarro about the end of the state's emergency declaration and warned of the impacts she foresees on California's hospitals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This interview has been edited for length and clarity.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Natalia Navarro: Do you still feel that Feb. 28 is a bad time to end the official emergency declaration in California? \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Carmela Coyle:\u003c/strong> While the state's COVID public health emergency is formally concluding, the real problem is that the state of the health care system remains in a very emergent state. And so while it's no longer COVID that's driving a real challenge to the health care system, the system remains challenged nevertheless.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The good news is that we gained quite a bit of experience and key learnings out of the pandemic. But it's not a matter of \u003cem>if\u003c/em> — it's a matter of \u003cem>when\u003c/em> the next challenge arises, whether that's an infectious disease or something else. We are now going to be facing that on top of a system that is very, very troubled.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>The emergency declaration has allowed California hospital facilities to temporarily expand treatment spaces to deal with larger numbers of patients, and also to hire out-of-state workers to combat staffing shortages. What now?\u003c/strong>[pullquote size='medium' align='right' citation=\"Carmela Coyle, head of the California Hospital Association\"]'The emergency that's affecting the health care system today, in hospitals in particular, is \u003cem>not\u003c/em> driven by COVID. It is driven by all of the care that people did not seek while the COVID pandemic was underway.'[/pullquote]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the state of California, most of those policies are being moved to a hospital-specific request process. So while previously things like the ability to use space in new and different ways — to create negative-pressure rooms, to treat patients with infectious diseases — was done more broadly, we will have the ability to apply to the state on a hospital-by-hospital basis. And that's a good thing because some of those spaces are still needed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I think what perhaps is being missed is that the emergency that's affecting the health care system today, in hospitals in particular, is \u003cem>not\u003c/em> driven by COVID. It is driven by all of the care that people did not seek while the COVID pandemic was underway. Today, California's hospitals are overflowing with patients, and that leaves us in a very challenging circumstance to be able to deal with the next emergency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Newsom's administration has said it intends to ask lawmakers' approval to preserve some more of these emergency provisions — specifically those that allow different health care workers to perform certain COVID-related functions, like giving COVID medications or doing on-site tests. What kind of difference do you think this would make?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I think the challenge right now is that those flexibilities, which were extremely important, I don't mean to suggest anything else, but those flexibilities that were provided during the pandemic, many of them were very COVID-specific, pandemic-specific.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What we're now dealing with is a system that is breaking apart at the seams. We don't have enough health care workers to meet all of the health care needs of the people in the state of California. We have hospitals in the state that have declared bankruptcy, others that have closed. And this buildup of pressure started with the pandemic, but now it's well beyond the pandemic. That leaves our California health care delivery system at a very challenged moment so that even those flexibilities that the state provided during the pandemic are not going to be enough.[aside label=\"More COVID Coverage\" tag=\"coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\"]We need to shore up California's health care system. And that's not just hospitals. We need to shore up public health. We need to shore up primary care physicians, behavioral health, hospitals, nursing homes. But right now, if we were to experience any other kind of an emergency or a pandemic, I think our system would not be well prepared.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>So what \u003cem>does\u003c/em> need to be done, to lessen that pressure and shore up the health care system?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Fundamentally, the pandemic created a huge economic shock for health care providers, and hospitals in particular. I've described it as a flood. And while the COVID floodwaters have receded, all of the damage is still there. We have a long way to go to repair that damage, and that will require significant additional funding putting into the health care system, not just for public health, but in particular right now for hospitals to keep their doors open, to keep them from closing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We need more investment in regrowing our health care workforce. That will take time. But if we don't start now, we will not have the number of caregivers needed to meet the demand for health care services. And we need the state's help in keeping inflationary costs down — pharmaceutical prices, and other kinds of prices also affecting our ability to provide health care now on a day-to-day basis.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>What powers do hospitals and health care providers have on their own? Can they continue to require everyone to wear masks or require vaccination, for example?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It really varies, the degree to which hospitals can make individual decisions versus those that are regulated by the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I think what we have all come to understand is the importance of the basics — and the basics include vaccination. The basics include mask wearing, when called for, and all of the other kinds of processes and procedures we put in place that really help the state of California keep the pandemic as much in check as possible, given we are a state of 40 million people.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But I think the flexibilities that were granted during that pandemic, that playbook needs to stay right on the front corner of the table. They will be needed again.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We have got to make certain that in times of emergency or disaster, that we have the flexibility needed to meet Californians' needs.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"excerpt": "California is ending its COVID state of emergency after almost three years. Carmela Coyle, head of the California Hospital Association, talks about why she believes it's a 'terrible time' for this move.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11941075/californias-covid-emergency-ends-feb-28-what-does-that-actually-mean-for-you\">California is formally ending its COVID-19 state of emergency\u003c/a> Tuesday after almost three years since the pandemic began.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This emergency declaration gave Gov. Gavin Newsom the power to suspend or change laws in California to combat COVID. These legal powers allowed Newsom to issue almost 600 pandemic-related health orders — the majority of which have now been lifted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On May 11, \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2023/01/30/1152702709/covid-emergency-declarations-end-white-house\">the White House will lift its own federal states of emergency for COVID\u003c/a>, which will have much bigger ramifications for funding around pandemic measures like vaccines, testing and treatments compared to California's earlier move. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11941075/californias-covid-emergency-ends-feb-28-what-does-that-actually-mean-for-you\">Californians will be protected, at least initially, from changes around health insurance\u003c/a> brought on by the federal emergencies ending — thanks to laws that have been passed within the state in the last few years that force insurers to keep covering certain COVID costs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Newsom administration is framing the Feb. 28 date for lifting the California state of emergency as \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11941075/californias-covid-emergency-ends-feb-28-what-does-that-actually-mean-for-you\">a logical step that was coming at the right time\u003c/a>, while acknowledging the crucial role played by these emergency powers in fighting the pandemic. But not everyone agrees it’s the right time to end these emergency powers in the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One of those people is Carmela Coyle, head of the California Hospital Association, who told \u003cem>The New York Times\u003c/em> earlier this month that \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/02/us/california-covid-state-of-emergency-ending.html\">February was \"a terrible time to end the public health emergency,\"\u003c/a> because of ongoing strain on California’s hospitals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Coyle spoke to KQED's Natalia Navarro about the end of the state's emergency declaration and warned of the impacts she foresees on California's hospitals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This interview has been edited for length and clarity.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Natalia Navarro: Do you still feel that Feb. 28 is a bad time to end the official emergency declaration in California? \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Carmela Coyle:\u003c/strong> While the state's COVID public health emergency is formally concluding, the real problem is that the state of the health care system remains in a very emergent state. And so while it's no longer COVID that's driving a real challenge to the health care system, the system remains challenged nevertheless.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The good news is that we gained quite a bit of experience and key learnings out of the pandemic. But it's not a matter of \u003cem>if\u003c/em> — it's a matter of \u003cem>when\u003c/em> the next challenge arises, whether that's an infectious disease or something else. We are now going to be facing that on top of a system that is very, very troubled.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>The emergency declaration has allowed California hospital facilities to temporarily expand treatment spaces to deal with larger numbers of patients, and also to hire out-of-state workers to combat staffing shortages. What now?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "'The emergency that's affecting the health care system today, in hospitals in particular, is \u003cem>not\u003c/em> driven by COVID. It is driven by all of the care that people did not seek while the COVID pandemic was underway.'",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the state of California, most of those policies are being moved to a hospital-specific request process. So while previously things like the ability to use space in new and different ways — to create negative-pressure rooms, to treat patients with infectious diseases — was done more broadly, we will have the ability to apply to the state on a hospital-by-hospital basis. And that's a good thing because some of those spaces are still needed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I think what perhaps is being missed is that the emergency that's affecting the health care system today, in hospitals in particular, is \u003cem>not\u003c/em> driven by COVID. It is driven by all of the care that people did not seek while the COVID pandemic was underway. Today, California's hospitals are overflowing with patients, and that leaves us in a very challenging circumstance to be able to deal with the next emergency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Newsom's administration has said it intends to ask lawmakers' approval to preserve some more of these emergency provisions — specifically those that allow different health care workers to perform certain COVID-related functions, like giving COVID medications or doing on-site tests. What kind of difference do you think this would make?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I think the challenge right now is that those flexibilities, which were extremely important, I don't mean to suggest anything else, but those flexibilities that were provided during the pandemic, many of them were very COVID-specific, pandemic-specific.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What we're now dealing with is a system that is breaking apart at the seams. We don't have enough health care workers to meet all of the health care needs of the people in the state of California. We have hospitals in the state that have declared bankruptcy, others that have closed. And this buildup of pressure started with the pandemic, but now it's well beyond the pandemic. That leaves our California health care delivery system at a very challenged moment so that even those flexibilities that the state provided during the pandemic are not going to be enough.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>We need to shore up California's health care system. And that's not just hospitals. We need to shore up public health. We need to shore up primary care physicians, behavioral health, hospitals, nursing homes. But right now, if we were to experience any other kind of an emergency or a pandemic, I think our system would not be well prepared.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>So what \u003cem>does\u003c/em> need to be done, to lessen that pressure and shore up the health care system?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Fundamentally, the pandemic created a huge economic shock for health care providers, and hospitals in particular. I've described it as a flood. And while the COVID floodwaters have receded, all of the damage is still there. We have a long way to go to repair that damage, and that will require significant additional funding putting into the health care system, not just for public health, but in particular right now for hospitals to keep their doors open, to keep them from closing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We need more investment in regrowing our health care workforce. That will take time. But if we don't start now, we will not have the number of caregivers needed to meet the demand for health care services. And we need the state's help in keeping inflationary costs down — pharmaceutical prices, and other kinds of prices also affecting our ability to provide health care now on a day-to-day basis.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>What powers do hospitals and health care providers have on their own? Can they continue to require everyone to wear masks or require vaccination, for example?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It really varies, the degree to which hospitals can make individual decisions versus those that are regulated by the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I think what we have all come to understand is the importance of the basics — and the basics include vaccination. The basics include mask wearing, when called for, and all of the other kinds of processes and procedures we put in place that really help the state of California keep the pandemic as much in check as possible, given we are a state of 40 million people.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But I think the flexibilities that were granted during that pandemic, that playbook needs to stay right on the front corner of the table. They will be needed again.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We have got to make certain that in times of emergency or disaster, that we have the flexibility needed to meet Californians' needs.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "California's COVID State of Emergency Ends Today. What Does That Actually Mean for You?",
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"headTitle": "California’s COVID State of Emergency Ends Today. What Does That Actually Mean for You? | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>Today, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11929285/newsom-to-end-californias-covid-state-of-emergency-in-february\">California’s COVID-19 state of emergency officially comes to an end\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since March 2020, this statewide emergency declaration has given Gov. Gavin Newsom the power to suspend or change laws in California to fight the spread of COVID. Now, after almost three years, the state is winding down its state of emergency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#calfreshmedical\">What you need to know if use CalFresh or Medi-Cal\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>The move has been characterized as \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/health-california-covid-gavin-newsom-government-and-politics-0a013cc71e580d33fe59f93bc6c2b16e\">“a symbolic end” to the pandemic in California\u003c/a>, and a “decision [that] will have little practical impact on most people’s lives.” And it’s certainly true that most of the pandemic-related orders Newsom has issued since March 2020 — almost 600 of them — have been lifted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://twitter.com/TeacupInTheBay/status/1623832514744942592\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But it’s not entirely accurate to say that this move will have \u003ci>zero \u003c/i>implications for California and the way COVID is handled — and perceived. Added to the mix is the fact that even if people are aware that the state of emergency is ending, they might not really know exactly what that entails — or how it could affect them personally.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So what \u003ci>does\u003c/i> California ending its state of emergency mean for you?\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The federal state of emergency is ending, too — which also affects Californians\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In January, the White House announced that \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2023/01/30/1152702709/covid-emergency-declarations-end-white-house\">the federal state of emergency for COVID will end on May 11\u003c/a> — over two months after California ends its own. And to complicate matters a little more, there are actually \u003ci>two \u003c/i>federal emergencies ending May 11: the national emergency, and the public health emergency.[aside postID=news_11940562 hero='https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS62644_GettyImages-1237599780-qut-1020x680.jpg']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The end of these national emergencies will have big effects upon nationwide funding for COVID vaccines and testing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Thanks to laws that have been passed in California in the last few years (more on this below), Californians will at least be able to keep a lot \u003ci>more \u003c/i>COVID coverage than folks living in other states. But May 11 is a date people in California still need to know, because some of those laws are tied to the end of the national-level declarations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Looking beyond the end of both the statewide emergency and the nationwide public health declaration, Gov. Newsom’s office says his administration intends to seek lawmakers’ approval to actually preserve two of the emergency provisions enabled by the 2020 state of emergency in California. These specifically deal with allowing different health care workers to perform certain COVID-related functions (for nurses, it’s dispensing COVID medications like Paxlovid; for lab workers, it’s processing COVID tests on their own).\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>For insured people in California, most COVID coverage won’t change — yet\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>California has recently enacted several laws that force insurers to keep covering COVID care even after the state and federal states of emergency wind down.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>State Senate Bill 510 requires insurers in California to keep covering COVID costs like testing and vaccination after the national emergency ends. On the national level, the White House’s COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish K. Jha has promised that COVID vaccines will remain free in the U.S. for insured people as a preventive service covered under the Affordable Care Act of 2010.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Meanwhile, another California law — \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB1473\">State Bill 1473\u003c/a> — requires insurers to not only keep covering the costs of COVID therapeutic treatments like Paxlovid, but also to keep reimbursing their members for the costs of up to eight over-the-counter COVID tests a month. But this law only keeps the current situation in place until six months after the \u003ca href=\"https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-02-07/with-covid-emergency-ending-will-i-have-to-pay-for-tests\">end of the federal emergency on Nov. 11\u003c/a>.[aside postID=news_11902122 hero='https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/01/RS53229_GettyImages-1237664205-qut-1536x1065.jpg']After that date, if you want Paxlovid or to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11902122/at-home-covid-test-reimbursement-from-blue-shield-to-kaiser-how-to-get-your-health-insurance-to-pay-you-back\">get reimbursed for COVID tests by an insurer\u003c/a>, you’ll have to make sure you are obtaining these services “in-network.” And at this stage of the year, specific details about what that’ll look like in practice come November are lacking.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>For uninsured people, COVID care will probably get (even) more confusing\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>As with so many aspects of the pandemic, it looks like things will become less clear — and often plain harder — for uninsured folks. Jha has given assurances that “\u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/AshishKJha46/status/1620836123630239750\">[o]n May 12, you can still walk into a pharmacy and get your bivalent vaccine. For free\u003c/a>,” and that the same will hold for obtaining Paxlovid.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But he also wrote that, longer term, “likely over the summer or early fall,” the country would “transition from US government distributed vaccines and treatments to those purchased through the regular healthcare system,” and that the White House was “committed to ensuring that vaccines and treatments are accessible and not prohibitively expensive for uninsured Americans.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Which does not necessarily mean they will be free.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Some California cities also have their own public health emergencies — with their own effects\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>California ending its state of emergency may well spur the remaining cities that have kept their own states of emergencies to end theirs, too — which may have effects of their own upon residents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For example, San Francisco also still has its own \u003ca href=\"https://sf.gov/resource/2022/public-health-emergency-declarations\">Public Health Emergency Declaration for COVID\u003c/a> in effect, and several programs for San Francisco residents (and people who work in the city) are dependent on that declaration being in effect. But on Thursday, San Francisco officials announced that the city’s public health emergency would be coming to an end at the same time as the state’s, on Feb. 28.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Among the impacts of this decision: As of Oct. 1, 2022, \u003ca href=\"https://sfgov.org/olse/public-health-emergency-leave-ordinance\">San Francisco’s Public Health Emergency Leave (PHEL)\u003c/a> offers employees who work for certain San Francisco employers \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11904834/covid-sick-pay-in-california-how-to-claim-this-new-paid-leave\">up to 80 hours of paid leave for COVID-related reasons\u003c/a>. Now that San Francisco’s public health emergency is ending at the end of February, city residents and workers will no longer be able to claim this paid sick leave for COVID starting March 1.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11938425\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11938425\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/RS50546_014_SanFrancisco_IndoorMasks_07302021-qut-1.jpg\" alt=\"A person in an orange shirt and black mask and black-rimmed glasses operates a tablet-style cash register.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/RS50546_014_SanFrancisco_IndoorMasks_07302021-qut-1.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/RS50546_014_SanFrancisco_IndoorMasks_07302021-qut-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/RS50546_014_SanFrancisco_IndoorMasks_07302021-qut-1-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/RS50546_014_SanFrancisco_IndoorMasks_07302021-qut-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/RS50546_014_SanFrancisco_IndoorMasks_07302021-qut-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An employee at La Copa Loca Gelato rings up a customer at the shop in San Francisco on July 30, 2021. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Not everyone thinks this is a good idea\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In the announcement about California ending its state of emergency on Feb. 28, administration officials acknowledged the crucial role played by these emergency powers in fighting the pandemic — but framed the expiration as a logical step that was coming at the right time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Gov. Newsom called the state of emergency “an effective and necessary tool that we utilized to protect our state,” saying that now, “with the operational preparedness that we’ve built up and the measures that we’ll continue to employ moving forward, California is ready to phase out this tool.” Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, spoke of California moving “into this next phase” with the winding down of the state of emergency, and how “the infrastructure and processes we’ve invested in and built up will provide us the tools to manage any ups and downs in the future.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But some disagree it’s the right time to end the state’s emergency powers. Carmela Coyle, head of the California Hospital Association, told \u003cem>The New York Times\u003c/em> earlier this month that \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/02/us/california-covid-state-of-emergency-ending.html\">February was “a terrible time to end the public health emergency,”\u003c/a> because of ongoing strain on California’s hospitals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Coyle said that Newsom’s emergency declaration had helped state hospitals better cope with high numbers of patients — by permitting facilities to temporarily expand treatment spaces to deal with larger numbers of patients — and also staffing shortages, by allowing hospitals to hire workers from out of state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The discontinuation of those declarations of emergency has to be thoughtfully planned and transitioned,” Coyle told \u003cem>The New York Times\u003c/em>. “Otherwise, it leaves hospitals caught in the middle in this debate of whether the pandemic is over or not.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Speaking to KQED Forum this month, UCSF infectious disease specialist Dr. Peter Chin-Hong struck a cautious note, saying that while he believed it is essentially “the right time” for California and the White House to end these emergency declarations, there were still “repercussions that we have to be prepared for.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“In a fractured medical health care system, I’m worried that people are going to fall between the cracks,” said Chin-Hong, noting that Californians would still be “generally, decently protected as a people, compared to other areas” in the U.S. “The biggest worry that I have is that it will be confusing,” he said, pointing to the potential for contradictory signals around COVID testing, vaccination and treatment among people who don’t know whether they’ll face steep out-of-pocket costs for this care and might just give up trying to access it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Chin-Hong also acknowledged the risks of how the states of emergency ending could falsely signal to the general public that COVID no longer posed them — or others — any threat. “The worst thing,” he said, would be “that people think that it means that it’s all over until next winter.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And finally, just to make everything even \u003ci>more \u003c/i>complex …\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11940585\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11940585\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS62643_GettyImages-1239425766-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A sign taped to a brick wall saying COVID 19\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1290\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS62643_GettyImages-1239425766-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS62643_GettyImages-1239425766-qut-800x538.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS62643_GettyImages-1239425766-qut-1020x685.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS62643_GettyImages-1239425766-qut-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS62643_GettyImages-1239425766-qut-1536x1032.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lines for COVID testing and vaccinations are now nonexistent at Jessie Turner Health and Fitness in Fontana on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. Federal funding is running out for COVID relief measures, calling into question what will happen to clinics, testing and other COVID-related funding measures. \u003ccite>(Will Lester/MediaNews Group/Inland Valley Daily Bulletin via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"calfreshmedical\">\u003c/a>Several other COVID programs are ending in California — but that’s not (entirely) due to the state of emergency\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>There are a number of pandemic-related programs and support schemes that are winding down alongside the ending of California’s (and the nation’s) states of emergency, but they are not 100% related to those expirations — at least, not directly. Among them:\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>COVID testing sites are shutting down\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Large-scale testing sites have been a crucial part of counties’ ability to slow the spread of COVID over the last few years — and these states of emergency have played a key role in funding these facilities. Now, a large portion of funding for free COVID testing (and vaccination) clinics will come to an end, meaning not only that costs for individuals for these services could rise, but also the sites themselves are starting to shutter. And the sites that remain open will have to look to the future of county-level funding after the state and federal supplies are gone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But officials say the end of California’s state of emergency is not the sole reason many of these facilities are closing. San Francisco’s free drive-up testing site on Alemany Blvd., for example, is being closed due to a combination of reduced funding and “low demand,” according to San Francisco health officials. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11940562/how-to-find-a-free-covid-test-near-you-in-2023-because-its-getting-harder\">Find a COVID testing site near you.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The California Department of Public Health’s post-state of emergency “\u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SMARTER-Plan-Progress-Update-FINAL-10.12.2022_jb.pdf?emrc=eed198\">SMARTER Plan (PDF)\u003c/a>” says that as far as schools are concerned, the agency has “completed the distribution of 8.4 million over-the-counter antigen tests for end of school year and summer testing, and an additional 10.6 million for the return from summer break testing.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>California is ending its vaccine mandate for schoolchildren\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In 2021, Gov. Newsom announced the policy mandating COVID vaccination for schoolchildren — adding it as one of the (multiple) vaccinations families would need to prove for a child to attend school. There was uncertainty over whether this policy would be extended, and on Feb. 3 the California Department of Health finally announced that the state’s schoolkids would not now have to get a COVID vaccine, and that the department was “not currently exploring emergency rulemaking to add COVID-19 to the list of required school vaccinations,” adding, “but we continue to strongly recommend COVID-19 immunization for students and staff to keep everyone safer in the classroom.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Because the policy itself originated from the state Department of Public Health, it wasn’t itself affected directly by California’s emergency declaration being lifted. But early this month, just before the change was announced, state public health officials told EdSource in an email that the end of California’s state of emergency \u003ci>was\u003c/i> \u003ca href=\"https://edsource.org/2023/california-ends-plans-for-kids-covid-vaccine-mandate/685077?campaign_id=49&emc=edit_ca_20230203&instance_id=84396&nl=california-today®i_id=79933371&segment_id=124294&te=1&user_id=730d7bc2f6e57d075af70f58c76999e6\">effectively going to end any plan to add COVID vaccinations to the required-vaccines list for schoolchildren\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>CalFresh is ending extra payments\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>[aside postID=news_11940602 hero='https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/GettyImages-1219595595.jpg']During the pandemic, folks using CalFresh — California’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits program for lower-income families — have been receiving extra funds, called “emergency allotments.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This increase was at least $95 in CalFresh benefits per month. But \u003ca href=\"https://cdss.ca.gov/calfreshcovid19\">these extra CalFresh funds will now cease on Feb. 28\u003c/a> — not because they’re tied to California’s state of emergency, but because of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, which ends the pandemic-era release of these extra funds to households across the United States.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Medi-Cal will no longer automatically renew enrollment\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>When COVID hit, Congress signed \u003ca href=\"https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6201/text\">a bill that required Medicaid programs around the U.S. — known as Medi-Cal in California — to keep their members continuously enrolled\u003c/a>, in exchange for higher federal funding. This has meant that during the pandemic, Medi-Cal has not been permitted to drop people who would otherwise not qualify for the program if they tried to sign up fresh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But now, the same act that means the end of CalFresh’s extra payments (see above) is bringing an end to the Medi-Cal requirement to automatically renew its members. This means that starting in April, \u003ca href=\"https://californiahealthline.org/news/article/medicaid-unwinding-coverage-loss-california-post-pandemic/\">the state will begin to remove folks who no longer qualify\u003c/a> — and require Medi-Cal members to manually renew their coverage, which they haven’t had to do for the last few years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Over 15 million Californians are enrolled in Medi-Cal, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Documents/PHE-UOP/Medi-Cal-COVID-19-PHE-Unwinding-Plan.pdf\">the state forecasts that up to 3 million people could lose their coverage (PDF)\u003c/a> if they fail to reenroll or no longer qualify. If you’re on Medi-Cal, the state recommends that you \u003ca href=\"https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Pages/Keep-Your-Medi-Cal.aspx\">make sure Medi-Cal has your up-to-date contact details\u003c/a>, sign up for email and text alerts and watch for the renewal form hitting your mailbox in the coming weeks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story has been updated. An earlier version of this story was published on Feb. 15.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "On Feb. 28, California’s COVID-19 state of emergency officially comes to an end. Since March 2020, this statewide emergency declaration has given Gov. Newsom the power to suspend or change laws in California to fight the spread of COVID.",
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"title": "California's COVID State of Emergency Ends Today. What Does That Actually Mean for You? | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Today, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11929285/newsom-to-end-californias-covid-state-of-emergency-in-february\">California’s COVID-19 state of emergency officially comes to an end\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since March 2020, this statewide emergency declaration has given Gov. Gavin Newsom the power to suspend or change laws in California to fight the spread of COVID. Now, after almost three years, the state is winding down its state of emergency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#calfreshmedical\">What you need to know if use CalFresh or Medi-Cal\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>The move has been characterized as \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/health-california-covid-gavin-newsom-government-and-politics-0a013cc71e580d33fe59f93bc6c2b16e\">“a symbolic end” to the pandemic in California\u003c/a>, and a “decision [that] will have little practical impact on most people’s lives.” And it’s certainly true that most of the pandemic-related orders Newsom has issued since March 2020 — almost 600 of them — have been lifted.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>But it’s not entirely accurate to say that this move will have \u003ci>zero \u003c/i>implications for California and the way COVID is handled — and perceived. Added to the mix is the fact that even if people are aware that the state of emergency is ending, they might not really know exactly what that entails — or how it could affect them personally.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So what \u003ci>does\u003c/i> California ending its state of emergency mean for you?\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The federal state of emergency is ending, too — which also affects Californians\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In January, the White House announced that \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2023/01/30/1152702709/covid-emergency-declarations-end-white-house\">the federal state of emergency for COVID will end on May 11\u003c/a> — over two months after California ends its own. And to complicate matters a little more, there are actually \u003ci>two \u003c/i>federal emergencies ending May 11: the national emergency, and the public health emergency.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The end of these national emergencies will have big effects upon nationwide funding for COVID vaccines and testing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Thanks to laws that have been passed in California in the last few years (more on this below), Californians will at least be able to keep a lot \u003ci>more \u003c/i>COVID coverage than folks living in other states. But May 11 is a date people in California still need to know, because some of those laws are tied to the end of the national-level declarations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Looking beyond the end of both the statewide emergency and the nationwide public health declaration, Gov. Newsom’s office says his administration intends to seek lawmakers’ approval to actually preserve two of the emergency provisions enabled by the 2020 state of emergency in California. These specifically deal with allowing different health care workers to perform certain COVID-related functions (for nurses, it’s dispensing COVID medications like Paxlovid; for lab workers, it’s processing COVID tests on their own).\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>For insured people in California, most COVID coverage won’t change — yet\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>California has recently enacted several laws that force insurers to keep covering COVID care even after the state and federal states of emergency wind down.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>State Senate Bill 510 requires insurers in California to keep covering COVID costs like testing and vaccination after the national emergency ends. On the national level, the White House’s COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish K. Jha has promised that COVID vaccines will remain free in the U.S. for insured people as a preventive service covered under the Affordable Care Act of 2010.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Meanwhile, another California law — \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB1473\">State Bill 1473\u003c/a> — requires insurers to not only keep covering the costs of COVID therapeutic treatments like Paxlovid, but also to keep reimbursing their members for the costs of up to eight over-the-counter COVID tests a month. But this law only keeps the current situation in place until six months after the \u003ca href=\"https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-02-07/with-covid-emergency-ending-will-i-have-to-pay-for-tests\">end of the federal emergency on Nov. 11\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>After that date, if you want Paxlovid or to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11902122/at-home-covid-test-reimbursement-from-blue-shield-to-kaiser-how-to-get-your-health-insurance-to-pay-you-back\">get reimbursed for COVID tests by an insurer\u003c/a>, you’ll have to make sure you are obtaining these services “in-network.” And at this stage of the year, specific details about what that’ll look like in practice come November are lacking.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>For uninsured people, COVID care will probably get (even) more confusing\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>As with so many aspects of the pandemic, it looks like things will become less clear — and often plain harder — for uninsured folks. Jha has given assurances that “\u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/AshishKJha46/status/1620836123630239750\">[o]n May 12, you can still walk into a pharmacy and get your bivalent vaccine. For free\u003c/a>,” and that the same will hold for obtaining Paxlovid.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But he also wrote that, longer term, “likely over the summer or early fall,” the country would “transition from US government distributed vaccines and treatments to those purchased through the regular healthcare system,” and that the White House was “committed to ensuring that vaccines and treatments are accessible and not prohibitively expensive for uninsured Americans.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Which does not necessarily mean they will be free.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Some California cities also have their own public health emergencies — with their own effects\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>California ending its state of emergency may well spur the remaining cities that have kept their own states of emergencies to end theirs, too — which may have effects of their own upon residents.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For example, San Francisco also still has its own \u003ca href=\"https://sf.gov/resource/2022/public-health-emergency-declarations\">Public Health Emergency Declaration for COVID\u003c/a> in effect, and several programs for San Francisco residents (and people who work in the city) are dependent on that declaration being in effect. But on Thursday, San Francisco officials announced that the city’s public health emergency would be coming to an end at the same time as the state’s, on Feb. 28.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Among the impacts of this decision: As of Oct. 1, 2022, \u003ca href=\"https://sfgov.org/olse/public-health-emergency-leave-ordinance\">San Francisco’s Public Health Emergency Leave (PHEL)\u003c/a> offers employees who work for certain San Francisco employers \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11904834/covid-sick-pay-in-california-how-to-claim-this-new-paid-leave\">up to 80 hours of paid leave for COVID-related reasons\u003c/a>. Now that San Francisco’s public health emergency is ending at the end of February, city residents and workers will no longer be able to claim this paid sick leave for COVID starting March 1.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11938425\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11938425\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/RS50546_014_SanFrancisco_IndoorMasks_07302021-qut-1.jpg\" alt=\"A person in an orange shirt and black mask and black-rimmed glasses operates a tablet-style cash register.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/RS50546_014_SanFrancisco_IndoorMasks_07302021-qut-1.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/RS50546_014_SanFrancisco_IndoorMasks_07302021-qut-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/RS50546_014_SanFrancisco_IndoorMasks_07302021-qut-1-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/RS50546_014_SanFrancisco_IndoorMasks_07302021-qut-1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/RS50546_014_SanFrancisco_IndoorMasks_07302021-qut-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An employee at La Copa Loca Gelato rings up a customer at the shop in San Francisco on July 30, 2021. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Not everyone thinks this is a good idea\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In the announcement about California ending its state of emergency on Feb. 28, administration officials acknowledged the crucial role played by these emergency powers in fighting the pandemic — but framed the expiration as a logical step that was coming at the right time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Gov. Newsom called the state of emergency “an effective and necessary tool that we utilized to protect our state,” saying that now, “with the operational preparedness that we’ve built up and the measures that we’ll continue to employ moving forward, California is ready to phase out this tool.” Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, spoke of California moving “into this next phase” with the winding down of the state of emergency, and how “the infrastructure and processes we’ve invested in and built up will provide us the tools to manage any ups and downs in the future.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But some disagree it’s the right time to end the state’s emergency powers. Carmela Coyle, head of the California Hospital Association, told \u003cem>The New York Times\u003c/em> earlier this month that \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/02/us/california-covid-state-of-emergency-ending.html\">February was “a terrible time to end the public health emergency,”\u003c/a> because of ongoing strain on California’s hospitals.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Coyle said that Newsom’s emergency declaration had helped state hospitals better cope with high numbers of patients — by permitting facilities to temporarily expand treatment spaces to deal with larger numbers of patients — and also staffing shortages, by allowing hospitals to hire workers from out of state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The discontinuation of those declarations of emergency has to be thoughtfully planned and transitioned,” Coyle told \u003cem>The New York Times\u003c/em>. “Otherwise, it leaves hospitals caught in the middle in this debate of whether the pandemic is over or not.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Speaking to KQED Forum this month, UCSF infectious disease specialist Dr. Peter Chin-Hong struck a cautious note, saying that while he believed it is essentially “the right time” for California and the White House to end these emergency declarations, there were still “repercussions that we have to be prepared for.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“In a fractured medical health care system, I’m worried that people are going to fall between the cracks,” said Chin-Hong, noting that Californians would still be “generally, decently protected as a people, compared to other areas” in the U.S. “The biggest worry that I have is that it will be confusing,” he said, pointing to the potential for contradictory signals around COVID testing, vaccination and treatment among people who don’t know whether they’ll face steep out-of-pocket costs for this care and might just give up trying to access it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Chin-Hong also acknowledged the risks of how the states of emergency ending could falsely signal to the general public that COVID no longer posed them — or others — any threat. “The worst thing,” he said, would be “that people think that it means that it’s all over until next winter.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And finally, just to make everything even \u003ci>more \u003c/i>complex …\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11940585\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11940585\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS62643_GettyImages-1239425766-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A sign taped to a brick wall saying COVID 19\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1290\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS62643_GettyImages-1239425766-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS62643_GettyImages-1239425766-qut-800x538.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS62643_GettyImages-1239425766-qut-1020x685.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS62643_GettyImages-1239425766-qut-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/RS62643_GettyImages-1239425766-qut-1536x1032.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lines for COVID testing and vaccinations are now nonexistent at Jessie Turner Health and Fitness in Fontana on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. Federal funding is running out for COVID relief measures, calling into question what will happen to clinics, testing and other COVID-related funding measures. \u003ccite>(Will Lester/MediaNews Group/Inland Valley Daily Bulletin via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"calfreshmedical\">\u003c/a>Several other COVID programs are ending in California — but that’s not (entirely) due to the state of emergency\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>There are a number of pandemic-related programs and support schemes that are winding down alongside the ending of California’s (and the nation’s) states of emergency, but they are not 100% related to those expirations — at least, not directly. Among them:\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>COVID testing sites are shutting down\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Large-scale testing sites have been a crucial part of counties’ ability to slow the spread of COVID over the last few years — and these states of emergency have played a key role in funding these facilities. Now, a large portion of funding for free COVID testing (and vaccination) clinics will come to an end, meaning not only that costs for individuals for these services could rise, but also the sites themselves are starting to shutter. And the sites that remain open will have to look to the future of county-level funding after the state and federal supplies are gone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But officials say the end of California’s state of emergency is not the sole reason many of these facilities are closing. San Francisco’s free drive-up testing site on Alemany Blvd., for example, is being closed due to a combination of reduced funding and “low demand,” according to San Francisco health officials. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11940562/how-to-find-a-free-covid-test-near-you-in-2023-because-its-getting-harder\">Find a COVID testing site near you.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The California Department of Public Health’s post-state of emergency “\u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SMARTER-Plan-Progress-Update-FINAL-10.12.2022_jb.pdf?emrc=eed198\">SMARTER Plan (PDF)\u003c/a>” says that as far as schools are concerned, the agency has “completed the distribution of 8.4 million over-the-counter antigen tests for end of school year and summer testing, and an additional 10.6 million for the return from summer break testing.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>California is ending its vaccine mandate for schoolchildren\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In 2021, Gov. Newsom announced the policy mandating COVID vaccination for schoolchildren — adding it as one of the (multiple) vaccinations families would need to prove for a child to attend school. There was uncertainty over whether this policy would be extended, and on Feb. 3 the California Department of Health finally announced that the state’s schoolkids would not now have to get a COVID vaccine, and that the department was “not currently exploring emergency rulemaking to add COVID-19 to the list of required school vaccinations,” adding, “but we continue to strongly recommend COVID-19 immunization for students and staff to keep everyone safer in the classroom.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Because the policy itself originated from the state Department of Public Health, it wasn’t itself affected directly by California’s emergency declaration being lifted. But early this month, just before the change was announced, state public health officials told EdSource in an email that the end of California’s state of emergency \u003ci>was\u003c/i> \u003ca href=\"https://edsource.org/2023/california-ends-plans-for-kids-covid-vaccine-mandate/685077?campaign_id=49&emc=edit_ca_20230203&instance_id=84396&nl=california-today®i_id=79933371&segment_id=124294&te=1&user_id=730d7bc2f6e57d075af70f58c76999e6\">effectively going to end any plan to add COVID vaccinations to the required-vaccines list for schoolchildren\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>CalFresh is ending extra payments\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>During the pandemic, folks using CalFresh — California’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits program for lower-income families — have been receiving extra funds, called “emergency allotments.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This increase was at least $95 in CalFresh benefits per month. But \u003ca href=\"https://cdss.ca.gov/calfreshcovid19\">these extra CalFresh funds will now cease on Feb. 28\u003c/a> — not because they’re tied to California’s state of emergency, but because of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, which ends the pandemic-era release of these extra funds to households across the United States.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Medi-Cal will no longer automatically renew enrollment\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>When COVID hit, Congress signed \u003ca href=\"https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6201/text\">a bill that required Medicaid programs around the U.S. — known as Medi-Cal in California — to keep their members continuously enrolled\u003c/a>, in exchange for higher federal funding. This has meant that during the pandemic, Medi-Cal has not been permitted to drop people who would otherwise not qualify for the program if they tried to sign up fresh.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But now, the same act that means the end of CalFresh’s extra payments (see above) is bringing an end to the Medi-Cal requirement to automatically renew its members. This means that starting in April, \u003ca href=\"https://californiahealthline.org/news/article/medicaid-unwinding-coverage-loss-california-post-pandemic/\">the state will begin to remove folks who no longer qualify\u003c/a> — and require Medi-Cal members to manually renew their coverage, which they haven’t had to do for the last few years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Over 15 million Californians are enrolled in Medi-Cal, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Documents/PHE-UOP/Medi-Cal-COVID-19-PHE-Unwinding-Plan.pdf\">the state forecasts that up to 3 million people could lose their coverage (PDF)\u003c/a> if they fail to reenroll or no longer qualify. If you’re on Medi-Cal, the state recommends that you \u003ca href=\"https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/Pages/Keep-Your-Medi-Cal.aspx\">make sure Medi-Cal has your up-to-date contact details\u003c/a>, sign up for email and text alerts and watch for the renewal form hitting your mailbox in the coming weeks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story has been updated. An earlier version of this story was published on Feb. 15.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"title": "When Can I Get a Second Bivalent COVID Booster? Here's What We Know Right Now",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11942625/cuando-puedo-recibir-una-segunda-vacuna-bivalente-de-refuerzo-contra-covid-19\">\u003cem>Leer en español.\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Update, 4:05 p.m. Wednesday:\u003c/strong> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have announced that as of Wednesday, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/s0419-covid-vaccines.html\">certain people who are at higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization or death from COVID can get a second bivalent booster shot\u003c/a> from Moderna or Pfizer — specifically, people age 65 and older, and people who are immunocompromised.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11945763/can-i-get-second-bivalent-booster-cdc-who-eligible\">Read more about who can now get a second dose of the bivalent vaccine, and how to find a vaccine near you.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Original story.\u003c/strong> It’s been almost six months since \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11924327/where-can-i-find-a-new-omicron-covid-booster-shot-near-me\">the bivalent COVID vaccine booster became available\u003c/a>. And many people are now wondering, “When can I get my second bivalent booster dose?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The short answer: As long as you’ve already got one dose of the bivalent COVID-19 booster shot, there’s no need to rush.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#tellus\">Tell us: What else do you need information about right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>That’s according to Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, infectious disease expert at UCSF, who says that most healthy people who are up to date on their COVID vaccines can expect to get another booster shot after about a year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“All roads lead to an annual COVID booster,” Chin-Hong told KQED. “We know so far that immunity from the booster in general should last for about a year.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you’ve gotten the primary series, you have protection from serious disease, hospitalization and death for at least a year — probably even longer for most people,” he said.[aside postID=news_11924327 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/RS61679_GettyImages-1241629214-qut.jpg']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html\">be up-to-date on COVID vaccinations\u003c/a>, a person must have completed their primary vaccine series \u003cem>and\u003c/em> received the most recently recommended booster, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11924327/where-can-i-find-a-new-omicron-covid-booster-shot-near-me\">Find where to get a COVID bivalent booster near you.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The updated bivalent booster, which comes as a single dose, protects against both the original virus strain and the omicron variants that have emerged and remain dominant. Federal health agencies \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11924327/where-can-i-find-a-new-omicron-covid-booster-shot-near-me\">authorized the updated booster for people ages 12 and older in September and for anyone over 6 months in December\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"secondbivalentboosterearly\">\u003c/a>Who needs an earlier bivalent booster?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>People 65 and older can qualify for a second bivalent booster shot at least four months after their original bivalent shot, according to\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11945610/fda-approves-second-bivalent-covid-booster-shots-for-some-people\"> forthcoming guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC obtained by NPR\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Anyone who is immunocompromised and who received the booster shot within two months may also qualify.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>People who are immunocompromised or who have recently had procedures that could disrupt their immune system should ask their doctor about additional bivalent booster shots and whether that’s something they could benefit from, Chin-Hong said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to NPR, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11945610/fda-approves-second-bivalent-covid-booster-shots-for-some-people\">the FDA’s latest authorization applies to only the most recent COVID vaccine\u003c/a>, a bivalent shot that’s formulated to address the dominant omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11896509\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11896509\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2021/11/GettyImages-1344322689-scaled-e1638298015129.jpg\" alt=\"A woman in a mask receives a shot from a another woman in a white lab coat.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1369\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Safeway pharmacist Shahrzad Khoobyari (right) administers a Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot into the arm of Chen Knifsend at a San Rafael vaccine clinic on Oct. 1, 2021. \u003ccite>(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Most people, however, still need to get that first bivalent shot, Chin-Hong said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just 39% of San Franciscans have received the bivalent booster, compared with 86% who completed the vaccine’s initial series, according to data from the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Across California, around a quarter of residents have received the bivalent booster, and 61% got the initial vaccine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s concerning, Chin-Hong said, because the majority of people who are testing positive for COVID in hospitals today are either not vaccinated or not up to date on their vaccines.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“More than 70% of the people being hospitalized right now haven’t gotten a single booster, and the rest are unvaccinated,” Chin-Hong said. “The vast majority of vaccinated people haven’t even gotten a booster. So that’s really the focus.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Local health departments are encouraging everyone to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11924327/where-can-i-find-a-new-omicron-covid-booster-shot-near-me\">get the bivalent COVID booster\u003c/a> if they have not yet already.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Your immunity and booster timing\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Immunity provided by a booster typically starts to wear off about five or six months after the jab.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>But\u003c/em> the immune system doesn’t start from scratch when a vaccine’s immunity begins to wane.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The vaccine provides a blueprint to the body’s cells for how to protect against COVID, Chin-Hong explained — and a booster shot acts as a “reminder” to the immune system. For the majority of people who have been infected with COVID already, that experience provides them with a layer of immunity also.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The more times your system gets reminded, the longer immunity lasts,” said Chin-Hong. “That, to me, is a victory — because as an infectious disease doctor, I’m more concerned that people don’t come into the hospital, are not put in the ICU and do not die.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In January, an FDA committee met to discuss \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11938916/fda-considers-major-shift-in-covid-vaccine-strategy\">simplifying the COVID vaccine schedule to a single annual dose for most people\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Under that approach, most people would be advised to get the latest version of the vaccine annually, likely in the fall or winter, similar to the flu vaccine. And also like with the flu vaccine, drug manufacturers would update the annual shot to match the dominant variant that year — like the latest bivalent COVID booster was updated to target both the original coronavirus strain \u003cem>and\u003c/em> the dominant omicron variants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The future of finding a COVID vaccine\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The recommendation comes as \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11941075/californias-covid-emergency-ends-feb-28-what-does-that-actually-mean-for-you\">local, state and federal authorities are winding down many COVID programs and funding streams\u003c/a> that have provided many accessible testing, vaccination and treatment clinics.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11941075/californias-covid-emergency-ends-feb-28-what-does-that-actually-mean-for-you\">COVID vaccinations will continue to be free or covered by insurance\u003c/a> after the federal COVID emergency order ends on May 11, U.S. health officials have announced. But these may be harder to come by.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>People who don’t have insurance could face new costs after the federal emergency order ends. However, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ltfrespuestalatina.com/covid-vaccination-testing\">some clinics, including community-based sites in San Francisco, have said they will continue to provide free vaccines\u003c/a> to uninsured residents as long as supplies are available.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Having just one bivalent booster is going to take you through the year,” Chin-Hong underscored. “If everyone got the bivalent booster that they’re supposed to do, that’s really the most important point.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"tellus\">\u003c/a>Tell us: What else do you need information about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2023. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, helpful explainers and guides about COVID\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11936674/how-to-prepare-for-this-weeks-atmospheric-river-storm-sandbags-emergency-kits-and-more\">how to cope with intense winter weather\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will make our reporting stronger, and help us decide what to cover here on our site, and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[hearken id=\"10483\" src=\"https://modules.wearehearken.com/kqed/embed/10483.js\"]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "'Everyone can brace for that shot in the arm once a year,' said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease expert at UCSF.\r\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11942625/cuando-puedo-recibir-una-segunda-vacuna-bivalente-de-refuerzo-contra-covid-19\">\u003cem>Leer en español.\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Update, 4:05 p.m. Wednesday:\u003c/strong> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have announced that as of Wednesday, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/s0419-covid-vaccines.html\">certain people who are at higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization or death from COVID can get a second bivalent booster shot\u003c/a> from Moderna or Pfizer — specifically, people age 65 and older, and people who are immunocompromised.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11945763/can-i-get-second-bivalent-booster-cdc-who-eligible\">Read more about who can now get a second dose of the bivalent vaccine, and how to find a vaccine near you.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Original story.\u003c/strong> It’s been almost six months since \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11924327/where-can-i-find-a-new-omicron-covid-booster-shot-near-me\">the bivalent COVID vaccine booster became available\u003c/a>. And many people are now wondering, “When can I get my second bivalent booster dose?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The short answer: As long as you’ve already got one dose of the bivalent COVID-19 booster shot, there’s no need to rush.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#tellus\">Tell us: What else do you need information about right now?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>That’s according to Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, infectious disease expert at UCSF, who says that most healthy people who are up to date on their COVID vaccines can expect to get another booster shot after about a year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“All roads lead to an annual COVID booster,” Chin-Hong told KQED. “We know so far that immunity from the booster in general should last for about a year.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you’ve gotten the primary series, you have protection from serious disease, hospitalization and death for at least a year — probably even longer for most people,” he said.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To \u003ca href=\"https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html\">be up-to-date on COVID vaccinations\u003c/a>, a person must have completed their primary vaccine series \u003cem>and\u003c/em> received the most recently recommended booster, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11924327/where-can-i-find-a-new-omicron-covid-booster-shot-near-me\">Find where to get a COVID bivalent booster near you.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The updated bivalent booster, which comes as a single dose, protects against both the original virus strain and the omicron variants that have emerged and remain dominant. Federal health agencies \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11924327/where-can-i-find-a-new-omicron-covid-booster-shot-near-me\">authorized the updated booster for people ages 12 and older in September and for anyone over 6 months in December\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"secondbivalentboosterearly\">\u003c/a>Who needs an earlier bivalent booster?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>People 65 and older can qualify for a second bivalent booster shot at least four months after their original bivalent shot, according to\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11945610/fda-approves-second-bivalent-covid-booster-shots-for-some-people\"> forthcoming guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC obtained by NPR\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Anyone who is immunocompromised and who received the booster shot within two months may also qualify.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>People who are immunocompromised or who have recently had procedures that could disrupt their immune system should ask their doctor about additional bivalent booster shots and whether that’s something they could benefit from, Chin-Hong said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to NPR, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11945610/fda-approves-second-bivalent-covid-booster-shots-for-some-people\">the FDA’s latest authorization applies to only the most recent COVID vaccine\u003c/a>, a bivalent shot that’s formulated to address the dominant omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11896509\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11896509\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2021/11/GettyImages-1344322689-scaled-e1638298015129.jpg\" alt=\"A woman in a mask receives a shot from a another woman in a white lab coat.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1369\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Safeway pharmacist Shahrzad Khoobyari (right) administers a Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot into the arm of Chen Knifsend at a San Rafael vaccine clinic on Oct. 1, 2021. \u003ccite>(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Most people, however, still need to get that first bivalent shot, Chin-Hong said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just 39% of San Franciscans have received the bivalent booster, compared with 86% who completed the vaccine’s initial series, according to data from the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Across California, around a quarter of residents have received the bivalent booster, and 61% got the initial vaccine.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s concerning, Chin-Hong said, because the majority of people who are testing positive for COVID in hospitals today are either not vaccinated or not up to date on their vaccines.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“More than 70% of the people being hospitalized right now haven’t gotten a single booster, and the rest are unvaccinated,” Chin-Hong said. “The vast majority of vaccinated people haven’t even gotten a booster. So that’s really the focus.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Local health departments are encouraging everyone to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11924327/where-can-i-find-a-new-omicron-covid-booster-shot-near-me\">get the bivalent COVID booster\u003c/a> if they have not yet already.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Your immunity and booster timing\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Immunity provided by a booster typically starts to wear off about five or six months after the jab.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>But\u003c/em> the immune system doesn’t start from scratch when a vaccine’s immunity begins to wane.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The vaccine provides a blueprint to the body’s cells for how to protect against COVID, Chin-Hong explained — and a booster shot acts as a “reminder” to the immune system. For the majority of people who have been infected with COVID already, that experience provides them with a layer of immunity also.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The more times your system gets reminded, the longer immunity lasts,” said Chin-Hong. “That, to me, is a victory — because as an infectious disease doctor, I’m more concerned that people don’t come into the hospital, are not put in the ICU and do not die.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In January, an FDA committee met to discuss \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11938916/fda-considers-major-shift-in-covid-vaccine-strategy\">simplifying the COVID vaccine schedule to a single annual dose for most people\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Under that approach, most people would be advised to get the latest version of the vaccine annually, likely in the fall or winter, similar to the flu vaccine. And also like with the flu vaccine, drug manufacturers would update the annual shot to match the dominant variant that year — like the latest bivalent COVID booster was updated to target both the original coronavirus strain \u003cem>and\u003c/em> the dominant omicron variants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>The future of finding a COVID vaccine\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The recommendation comes as \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11941075/californias-covid-emergency-ends-feb-28-what-does-that-actually-mean-for-you\">local, state and federal authorities are winding down many COVID programs and funding streams\u003c/a> that have provided many accessible testing, vaccination and treatment clinics.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11941075/californias-covid-emergency-ends-feb-28-what-does-that-actually-mean-for-you\">COVID vaccinations will continue to be free or covered by insurance\u003c/a> after the federal COVID emergency order ends on May 11, U.S. health officials have announced. But these may be harder to come by.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>People who don’t have insurance could face new costs after the federal emergency order ends. However, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ltfrespuestalatina.com/covid-vaccination-testing\">some clinics, including community-based sites in San Francisco, have said they will continue to provide free vaccines\u003c/a> to uninsured residents as long as supplies are available.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Having just one bivalent booster is going to take you through the year,” Chin-Hong underscored. “If everyone got the bivalent booster that they’re supposed to do, that’s really the most important point.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"tellus\">\u003c/a>Tell us: What else do you need information about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At KQED News, we know that it can sometimes be hard to track down the answers to navigate life in the Bay Area in 2023. We’ve published \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/coronavirus-resources-and-explainers\">clear, helpful explainers and guides about COVID\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11936674/how-to-prepare-for-this-weeks-atmospheric-river-storm-sandbags-emergency-kits-and-more\">how to cope with intense winter weather\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11821950/how-to-safely-attend-a-protest-in-the-bay-area\">how to exercise your right to protest safely\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So tell us: What do you need to know more about? Tell us, and you could see your question answered online or on social media. What you submit will make our reporting stronger, and help us decide what to cover here on our site, and on KQED Public Radio, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"title": "California COVID Sick Pay Has Expired. But if You Work in San Francisco, You Still Have Options — Until Feb. 28",
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"content": "\u003cp>California's COVID sick pay policy has expired, as of Jan. 1, 2023, and California employers can no longer accept any new claims for COVID paid leave.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There's one exception to this:\u003cstrong> If you work in San Francisco, you might still be eligible for paid COVID sick leave — but only until Feb. 28.\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That's thanks to \u003ca href=\"https://sfgov.org/olse/public-health-emergency-leave-ordinance\">San Francisco's Public Health Emergency Leave Ordinance\u003c/a>, passed recently by voters. As of Oct. 1, 2022, San Francisco's Public Health Emergency Leave (PHEL) offers employees who work for certain San Francisco employers up to 80 hours of paid leave for COVID-related reasons. But now that \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/san-francisco-covid-emergency-17787152.php\">San Francisco has announced that its public health emergency will end on Feb. 28\u003c/a>, you'll only be able to claim this COVID sick pay through the end of this month.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading to find out who is eligible for San Francisco's COVID sick pay, what you can use it for and how to push back against an employer who's denying you COVID sick pay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#covidsickpayreasons\">Which COVID-related reasons does this sick pay cover?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#covidfamilymember\">If I can take PHEL for a family member, who counts as family?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#wfh\">Can I claim COVID sick pay if I work from home?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#trouble\">My employer is giving me a hard time about claiming COVID sick leave. What can I do? \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Who can claim San Francisco's Public Health Emergency Leave (PHEL)?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>You can claim PHEL for reasons related to COVID if:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>You work for a San Francisco employer that has 100 or more staff. This number can include employees that work outside of San Francisco, including abroad.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>You were hired by that employer \u003cem>before\u003c/em> Oct. 1, 2022, when San Francisco's Public Health Emergency Leave Ordinance came into law.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>If you were hired after Oct. 1, you are unable to claim PHEL for COVID.[aside postID=news_11919089 hero='https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/07/BayAreaCOVIDMapScreenshot-1020x700.jpg']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can claim PHEL if you work for a San Francisco employer even if you don't live in San Francisco yourself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can access this San Francisco COVID sick leave regardless of your immigration or documentation status. The San Francisco Office of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE) makes clear that \u003ca href=\"https://sfgov.org/olse/sites/default/files/PHEL%20FAQ%20-%20updated%2010.01.22_Final_0.pdf\">they will process your claim \"without regard to the Employee’s immigration status\" (PDF)\u003c/a>, and that you will not be questioned about your immigration status either.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember, once San Francisco's Public Health Emergency declaration for COVID expires on Feb. 28, \u003ca href=\"https://sfgov.org/olse/sites/default/files/Public%20Health%20Emergency%20Leave%20Poster%207.2022.pdf\">the city's Public Health Leave Ordinance — the \u003cem>law\u003c/em> that made COVID-related PHEL possible — still remains in place (PDF)\u003c/a>. It means that if the state or San Francisco declares another public health emergency for another contagious disease, like it did for COVID back in 2020, and for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11919070/monkeypox-in-the-bay-area-from-symptoms-to-how-to-find-a-vaccine-heres-what-we-know\">mpox in 2022\u003c/a>, eligible San Francisco employees can once again access PHEL when they are \"unable to work or telework due to public health guidelines, symptoms or diagnosis, among other related reasons,\" confirms Mawuli Tugbenyoh, deputy director of policy and external affairs for San Francisco's Department of Human Resources.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://sfgov.org/olse/sites/default/files/Public%20Health%20Emergency%20Leave%20Poster%207.2022.pdf\">The Public Health Leave Ordinance can also be applied to an air quality emergency in certain circumstances (PDF).\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"covidsickpayreasons\">\u003c/a>What are the reasons I can claim this paid COVID sick leave in San Francisco?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>You can claim PHEL for COVID through Feb. 28 if you meet the criteria above, and if you can't work (or telework from home) for reasons including:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>You've tested positive for COVID.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>You have symptoms of COVID and are seeking a diagnosis.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>You've been advised by a health care provider to isolate or quarantine after a COVID exposure.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>You can also claim PHEL to take time off work to care for a family member who:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Has tested positive for COVID.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Has been exposed to COVID and advised to isolate.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Cannot attend school or their child care facility because of COVID-related closures.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Cannot be cared for by their usual care provider because of COVID.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>How much COVID sick pay does PHEL offer?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Through Feb. 28, PHEL offers eligible full-time employees up to 80 hours of paid leave for COVID-related reasons — equivalent to up to two weeks off work.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What if you're part-time, or your weekly hours vary?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In that case, the amount of PHEL hours you can take for COVID-related reasons will be pro-rated by your employer, and calculated based on the average number of hours you've worked over a two-week period.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfgov.org/olse/sites/default/files/PHEL%20FAQ%20-%20updated%2010.01.22_Final_0.pdf\">FAQ on San Francisco's Public Health Emergency Leave Ordinance (PHELO) (PDF)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfgov.org/olse/sites/default/files/Public%20Health%20Emergency%20Leave%20Poster%207.2022.pdf\">More information about PHELO for employees (PDF)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>What if you didn't know you were entitled to claim PHEL after California's COVID Supplemental Sick Pay Leave policy expired on Jan. 1, and instead took PTO for one of those valid reasons above (for example, you tested positive for COVID and were unable to work)?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Unlike with the state's own COVID sick pay law, which specifically stated that employees \u003cem>could\u003c/em> claim back any PTO that should have been taken as COVID sick pay instead, this issue seems to be more of a gray area when it comes to PHEL. Speak to your boss or your HR department, if you have one, to see what's possible.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>When is San Francisco's COVID sick leave policy expiring?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>San Francisco's paid COVID leave law is only in place while the city's\u003ca href=\"https://sf.gov/resource/2022/public-health-emergency-declarations\"> COVID Public Health Emergency Declaration\u003c/a> is in place. And on Thursday, the San Francisco Department of Public Health announced that the city would end its Public Health Emergency Declaration on Feb. 28.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This means that starting March 1, even if you're eligible, you won't be able to claim PHEL for COVID from your employer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>San Francisco will end its COVID emergency status on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11941075/californias-covid-emergency-ends-feb-28-what-does-that-actually-mean-for-you\">the same day that Gov. Gavin Newsom will end California's statewide state of emergency\u003c/a>. The White House has announced that \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2023/01/30/1152702709/covid-emergency-declarations-end-white-house\">the federal states of emergency will end a little later\u003c/a>, on May 11. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11941075/californias-covid-emergency-ends-feb-28-what-does-that-actually-mean-for-you\">Read more about what the end of California's state of emergency means for you.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"covidfamilymember\">\u003c/a>Who counts as my 'family member' for claiming PHEL?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"#covidsickpayreasons\">You can claim PHEL for several reasons related to a family member's circumstances. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The city's definitions of \"family member\" include not just biological relationships, but also relationships \"resulting from adoption, step relationships, and foster care relationships.\" As far as PHEL is concerned, San Francisco considers that a \"family member\" can be:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Your child (including a child of your domestic partner and/or a child for whom you stand in loco parentis)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Your parent (includes a person who stood in loco parentis for you when you were a minor)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>The parent or guardian of your spouse or registered domestic partner\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Your legal guardian\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Your legal ward\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Your sibling\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Your grandparent\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Your grandchild\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Your spouse\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Your registered domestic partner under any state or local law\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Your \"designated person\" can also count as your family member for claiming PHEL. What this means: If you don't have a spouse or registered domestic partner, you can designate one person that you want to use your paid sick leave to care for. The big caveat: You have to select your designated person \u003cem>before\u003c/em> you claim PHEL to care for them, and only have the opportunity to choose a designated person on an annual basis. Speak with your boss or your HR department, if you have one, about selecting a designated person.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11926460\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11926460\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/09/RS58805_GettyImages-1242499563-qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/09/RS58805_GettyImages-1242499563-qut.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/09/RS58805_GettyImages-1242499563-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/09/RS58805_GettyImages-1242499563-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/09/RS58805_GettyImages-1242499563-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/09/RS58805_GettyImages-1242499563-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A stack of BinaxNow COVID-19 at-home test kits. \u003ccite>(Nathan Howard/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Is this related to California's 'exclusion pay'?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>No, San Francisco's Public Health Emergency Leave is different from \u003ca href=\"https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/COVID19Resources/FAQ-Exclusion-Pay-ETS.html\">California's previous exclusion pay policy that was mandated by Cal/OSHA\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Those Cal/OSHA regulations related specifically to COVID-positive workers who present an in-person infection risk to their colleagues and required businesses to \"exclude\" employees who tested positive for COVID-19 or who'd been exposed to a positive case at work. But like California's own Supplemental Paid Sick Leave policy, that law also has expired as of Jan. 1, 2023.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"wfh\">\u003c/a>Can I claim San Francisco's COVID sick leave if I work from home?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Yes. San Francisco's Public Health Emergency Leave applies through Feb. 28 to everyone who tests positive for COVID, and works for a San Francisco business that employs 100 or more people — regardless of whether they work from home or in an in-person setting. \u003ca href=\"https://sfgov.org/olse/sites/default/files/PHEL%20FAQ%20-%20updated%2010.01.22_Final_0.pdf\">The San Francisco Office of Labor Standards Enforcement specifically mentions telework (PDF)\u003c/a> (i.e., work from home, or remote work) in the Public Health Emergency Leave Ordinance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The paid leave is intended to grant you time off work to recover from your COVID infection, no matter where you do that work.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11904885\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-11904885 size-full\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/RS53457_005_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A pink and white at-home COVID-19 test against a dark background.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/RS53457_005_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022-qut.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/RS53457_005_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/RS53457_005_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/RS53457_005_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/RS53457_005_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An at-home COVID-19 test, which can be used as proof of eligibility for California's COVID sick leave. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"trouble\">\u003c/a>I spoke to my employer and they're giving me a hard time. What should I do?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Always communicate through writing ...\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Make sure that when you reach out to your employer to ask for sick leave, you make the request in writing; that can include email or a text message.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also ask for these hours via a verbal conversation with your boss, but be aware: That could make it harder for you to get compensated if your employer later says they don’t remember approving those hours or that you don’t qualify.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If your boss is telling you to use up your regular sick leave first ...\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Veronica Chavez, interim workers' rights directing attorney at \u003ca href=\"https://www.centrolegal.org/\">Centro Legal de la Raza\u003c/a>, a legal services nonprofit in Oakland, says she's seen businesses tell their workers who caught COVID outside of work to first use up their regular sick leave before touching their COVID sick pay — which \"should not be the case,\" she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>San Francisco's Public Health Emergency Leave is specifically designed to apply to time off needed because of COVID, as this disease is the reason for the city's \u003ca href=\"https://sf.gov/resource/2022/public-health-emergency-declarations\">Public Health Emergency Declaration \u003c/a>that prompted the Public Health Emergency Leave Ordinance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If your employer insists you don't need to use COVID sick pay because you work from home ...\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even if your human resources department isn't outright denying you COVID sick leave, unfortunately you may find that you're being discouraged one way or another from claiming it — especially if you work from home.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You could find your employer pressuring you to keep \"working through\" your COVID infection at home, or to otherwise limit the amount of days you claim as paid COVID sick leave.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If this happens, remind your employer of the city-mandated COVID sick leave laws that entitle you to up to 80 hours of sick pay, and that you’ll be accessing this paid leave for as long as you are unable to work because you're recovering from COVID. You may find it helpful to remind your employer of \u003ca href=\"https://sfgov.org/olse/sites/default/files/Public%20Health%20Emergency%20Leave%20Poster%207.2022.pdf\">this posting from the San Francisco Officer of Labor Standards Enforcement, which makes clear who is eligible for Public Health Emergency Leave (PDF)\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember, unless you work in a health care setting, it's unlikely your employer or their HR department are themselves medical professionals, and they're not privy to your medical history or risk level. Therefore, the amount of time your employer thinks you \"should\" claim as COVID sick leave — or comparing it to the amount of time other employees have taken to recover from COVID — is irrelevant here. If you need advice, and have access to health care, consult your doctor on how long you should stay off work because you have COVID.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If your employer says their business is too small for you to claim COVID sick leave ...\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Although Public Health Emergency Leave is available only to employees who work for a San Francisco employer with 100 or more staff, not all of those employees have to be in San Francisco — or even within the United States.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If your boss says you're otherwise not eligible to claim COVID sick leave ...\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If your employer denies your request on the grounds that they don’t know what you’re talking about, or that you don’t qualify when you believe you do, make your request again but this time include \u003ca href=\"https://sfgov.org/olse/sites/default/files/Public%20Health%20Emergency%20Leave%20Poster%207.2022.pdf\">this posting from the San Francisco Officer of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE), which makes clear who is eligible for Public Health Emergency Leave (PDF)\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If your boss or your human resources department is still pushing back even after you shared the posting, OLSE says that you can contact them directly:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>By emailing \u003ca href=\"mailto:PSL@sfgov.org\">PSL@sfgov.org\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>By calling (415) 554-6271\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>You can also find resources and fact sheets about your labor rights on OLSE's website, \u003ca href=\"https://sf.gov/departments/office-labor-standards-enforcement\">sfgov.org/olse\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember, OLSE says that if you assert your right to receive public health emergency leave, you're protected from retaliation. The agency also reminds employers that the city can investigate possible violations and get access to employer records. OLSE also can enforce these public health emergency leave requirements \"by ordering reinstatement of employees, payment of paid leave unlawfully withheld, and payment of penalties.\"\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you're worried about pushing back against your employer ...\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Chavez, attorney with Centro Legal de la Raza, understands that some workers may feel nervous about having these complicated conversations, especially if they fear that their employer will retaliate against them by cutting their wages or hours, or firing them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There are laws that protect (workers) against retaliation,” she said. “So if that were to occur — whether a person is undocumented, a U.S. citizen, or anything else — a person can file a retaliation complaint.” You can \u003ca href=\"https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/rci_osha_complaint.htm\">file a complaint with the Labor Commissioner’s Office online\u003c/a>, by calling (714) 558-4913 or \u003ca href=\"mailto:oshaRetaliation@dir.ca.gov\">emailing osharetaliation@dir.ca.gov\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember, San Francisco's Office of Labor Standards Enforcement also says that if you assert your right to receive Public Health Emergency Leave, you're protected from retaliation. The agency also reminds employers that the city can investigate possible violations and get access to employer records. OLSE also can enforce these public health emergency leave requirements \"by ordering reinstatement of employees, payment of paid leave unlawfully withheld, and payment of penalties.\"\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you're still hesitant about filing a formal complaint when your employer refuses to accommodate your sick leave request or if you haven't heard back from the Labor Commissioner's Office, you have other options.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There have been a few instances where Chavez and her office have helped workers secure COVID sick leave by writing a letter to the employer. \"Turn to attorneys or someone who's willing to assist with a letter where they can put it in language from the law that states very clearly what the employer is required to do,\" she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here are some organizations that offer free legal aid to workers in the Bay Area:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://legalaidatwork.org/clinics-and-helplines/\">Legal Aid at Work\u003c/a>: (415) 864-8208\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.advancingjustice-alc.org/get-help\">Asian Americans Advancing Justice/Asian Law Caucus\u003c/a>: (415) 896-1701\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.centrolegal.org/\">Centro Legal de la Raza\u003c/a>: (510) 437-1554\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>A version of this story was originally published on Jan. 18, 2022.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Even though California's COVID sick pay policy has expired as of Jan. 1, if you work in San Francisco you may be able to still claim paid sick leave if you or a family member get COVID.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>California's COVID sick pay policy has expired, as of Jan. 1, 2023, and California employers can no longer accept any new claims for COVID paid leave.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There's one exception to this:\u003cstrong> If you work in San Francisco, you might still be eligible for paid COVID sick leave — but only until Feb. 28.\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That's thanks to \u003ca href=\"https://sfgov.org/olse/public-health-emergency-leave-ordinance\">San Francisco's Public Health Emergency Leave Ordinance\u003c/a>, passed recently by voters. As of Oct. 1, 2022, San Francisco's Public Health Emergency Leave (PHEL) offers employees who work for certain San Francisco employers up to 80 hours of paid leave for COVID-related reasons. But now that \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/san-francisco-covid-emergency-17787152.php\">San Francisco has announced that its public health emergency will end on Feb. 28\u003c/a>, you'll only be able to claim this COVID sick pay through the end of this month.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading to find out who is eligible for San Francisco's COVID sick pay, what you can use it for and how to push back against an employer who's denying you COVID sick pay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#covidsickpayreasons\">Which COVID-related reasons does this sick pay cover?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#covidfamilymember\">If I can take PHEL for a family member, who counts as family?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#wfh\">Can I claim COVID sick pay if I work from home?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#trouble\">My employer is giving me a hard time about claiming COVID sick leave. What can I do? \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Who can claim San Francisco's Public Health Emergency Leave (PHEL)?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>You can claim PHEL for reasons related to COVID if:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>You work for a San Francisco employer that has 100 or more staff. This number can include employees that work outside of San Francisco, including abroad.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>You were hired by that employer \u003cem>before\u003c/em> Oct. 1, 2022, when San Francisco's Public Health Emergency Leave Ordinance came into law.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>If you were hired after Oct. 1, you are unable to claim PHEL for COVID.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can claim PHEL if you work for a San Francisco employer even if you don't live in San Francisco yourself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can access this San Francisco COVID sick leave regardless of your immigration or documentation status. The San Francisco Office of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE) makes clear that \u003ca href=\"https://sfgov.org/olse/sites/default/files/PHEL%20FAQ%20-%20updated%2010.01.22_Final_0.pdf\">they will process your claim \"without regard to the Employee’s immigration status\" (PDF)\u003c/a>, and that you will not be questioned about your immigration status either.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember, once San Francisco's Public Health Emergency declaration for COVID expires on Feb. 28, \u003ca href=\"https://sfgov.org/olse/sites/default/files/Public%20Health%20Emergency%20Leave%20Poster%207.2022.pdf\">the city's Public Health Leave Ordinance — the \u003cem>law\u003c/em> that made COVID-related PHEL possible — still remains in place (PDF)\u003c/a>. It means that if the state or San Francisco declares another public health emergency for another contagious disease, like it did for COVID back in 2020, and for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11919070/monkeypox-in-the-bay-area-from-symptoms-to-how-to-find-a-vaccine-heres-what-we-know\">mpox in 2022\u003c/a>, eligible San Francisco employees can once again access PHEL when they are \"unable to work or telework due to public health guidelines, symptoms or diagnosis, among other related reasons,\" confirms Mawuli Tugbenyoh, deputy director of policy and external affairs for San Francisco's Department of Human Resources.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://sfgov.org/olse/sites/default/files/Public%20Health%20Emergency%20Leave%20Poster%207.2022.pdf\">The Public Health Leave Ordinance can also be applied to an air quality emergency in certain circumstances (PDF).\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"covidsickpayreasons\">\u003c/a>What are the reasons I can claim this paid COVID sick leave in San Francisco?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>You can claim PHEL for COVID through Feb. 28 if you meet the criteria above, and if you can't work (or telework from home) for reasons including:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>You've tested positive for COVID.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>You have symptoms of COVID and are seeking a diagnosis.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>You've been advised by a health care provider to isolate or quarantine after a COVID exposure.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>You can also claim PHEL to take time off work to care for a family member who:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Has tested positive for COVID.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Has been exposed to COVID and advised to isolate.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Cannot attend school or their child care facility because of COVID-related closures.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Cannot be cared for by their usual care provider because of COVID.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>How much COVID sick pay does PHEL offer?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Through Feb. 28, PHEL offers eligible full-time employees up to 80 hours of paid leave for COVID-related reasons — equivalent to up to two weeks off work.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What if you're part-time, or your weekly hours vary?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In that case, the amount of PHEL hours you can take for COVID-related reasons will be pro-rated by your employer, and calculated based on the average number of hours you've worked over a two-week period.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfgov.org/olse/sites/default/files/PHEL%20FAQ%20-%20updated%2010.01.22_Final_0.pdf\">FAQ on San Francisco's Public Health Emergency Leave Ordinance (PHELO) (PDF)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfgov.org/olse/sites/default/files/Public%20Health%20Emergency%20Leave%20Poster%207.2022.pdf\">More information about PHELO for employees (PDF)\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>What if you didn't know you were entitled to claim PHEL after California's COVID Supplemental Sick Pay Leave policy expired on Jan. 1, and instead took PTO for one of those valid reasons above (for example, you tested positive for COVID and were unable to work)?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Unlike with the state's own COVID sick pay law, which specifically stated that employees \u003cem>could\u003c/em> claim back any PTO that should have been taken as COVID sick pay instead, this issue seems to be more of a gray area when it comes to PHEL. Speak to your boss or your HR department, if you have one, to see what's possible.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>When is San Francisco's COVID sick leave policy expiring?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>San Francisco's paid COVID leave law is only in place while the city's\u003ca href=\"https://sf.gov/resource/2022/public-health-emergency-declarations\"> COVID Public Health Emergency Declaration\u003c/a> is in place. And on Thursday, the San Francisco Department of Public Health announced that the city would end its Public Health Emergency Declaration on Feb. 28.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This means that starting March 1, even if you're eligible, you won't be able to claim PHEL for COVID from your employer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>San Francisco will end its COVID emergency status on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11941075/californias-covid-emergency-ends-feb-28-what-does-that-actually-mean-for-you\">the same day that Gov. Gavin Newsom will end California's statewide state of emergency\u003c/a>. The White House has announced that \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2023/01/30/1152702709/covid-emergency-declarations-end-white-house\">the federal states of emergency will end a little later\u003c/a>, on May 11. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11941075/californias-covid-emergency-ends-feb-28-what-does-that-actually-mean-for-you\">Read more about what the end of California's state of emergency means for you.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"covidfamilymember\">\u003c/a>Who counts as my 'family member' for claiming PHEL?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"#covidsickpayreasons\">You can claim PHEL for several reasons related to a family member's circumstances. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The city's definitions of \"family member\" include not just biological relationships, but also relationships \"resulting from adoption, step relationships, and foster care relationships.\" As far as PHEL is concerned, San Francisco considers that a \"family member\" can be:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Your child (including a child of your domestic partner and/or a child for whom you stand in loco parentis)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Your parent (includes a person who stood in loco parentis for you when you were a minor)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>The parent or guardian of your spouse or registered domestic partner\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Your legal guardian\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Your legal ward\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Your sibling\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Your grandparent\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Your grandchild\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Your spouse\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Your registered domestic partner under any state or local law\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Your \"designated person\" can also count as your family member for claiming PHEL. What this means: If you don't have a spouse or registered domestic partner, you can designate one person that you want to use your paid sick leave to care for. The big caveat: You have to select your designated person \u003cem>before\u003c/em> you claim PHEL to care for them, and only have the opportunity to choose a designated person on an annual basis. Speak with your boss or your HR department, if you have one, about selecting a designated person.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11926460\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11926460\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/09/RS58805_GettyImages-1242499563-qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/09/RS58805_GettyImages-1242499563-qut.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/09/RS58805_GettyImages-1242499563-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/09/RS58805_GettyImages-1242499563-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/09/RS58805_GettyImages-1242499563-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/09/RS58805_GettyImages-1242499563-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A stack of BinaxNow COVID-19 at-home test kits. \u003ccite>(Nathan Howard/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Is this related to California's 'exclusion pay'?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>No, San Francisco's Public Health Emergency Leave is different from \u003ca href=\"https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/COVID19Resources/FAQ-Exclusion-Pay-ETS.html\">California's previous exclusion pay policy that was mandated by Cal/OSHA\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Those Cal/OSHA regulations related specifically to COVID-positive workers who present an in-person infection risk to their colleagues and required businesses to \"exclude\" employees who tested positive for COVID-19 or who'd been exposed to a positive case at work. But like California's own Supplemental Paid Sick Leave policy, that law also has expired as of Jan. 1, 2023.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"wfh\">\u003c/a>Can I claim San Francisco's COVID sick leave if I work from home?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Yes. San Francisco's Public Health Emergency Leave applies through Feb. 28 to everyone who tests positive for COVID, and works for a San Francisco business that employs 100 or more people — regardless of whether they work from home or in an in-person setting. \u003ca href=\"https://sfgov.org/olse/sites/default/files/PHEL%20FAQ%20-%20updated%2010.01.22_Final_0.pdf\">The San Francisco Office of Labor Standards Enforcement specifically mentions telework (PDF)\u003c/a> (i.e., work from home, or remote work) in the Public Health Emergency Leave Ordinance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The paid leave is intended to grant you time off work to recover from your COVID infection, no matter where you do that work.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11904885\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-11904885 size-full\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/RS53457_005_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A pink and white at-home COVID-19 test against a dark background.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/RS53457_005_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022-qut.jpg 1920w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/RS53457_005_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/RS53457_005_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/RS53457_005_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/RS53457_005_StockPhoto_AtHomeCOVIDTest_02022022-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An at-home COVID-19 test, which can be used as proof of eligibility for California's COVID sick leave. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"trouble\">\u003c/a>I spoke to my employer and they're giving me a hard time. What should I do?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Always communicate through writing ...\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Make sure that when you reach out to your employer to ask for sick leave, you make the request in writing; that can include email or a text message.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also ask for these hours via a verbal conversation with your boss, but be aware: That could make it harder for you to get compensated if your employer later says they don’t remember approving those hours or that you don’t qualify.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If your boss is telling you to use up your regular sick leave first ...\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Veronica Chavez, interim workers' rights directing attorney at \u003ca href=\"https://www.centrolegal.org/\">Centro Legal de la Raza\u003c/a>, a legal services nonprofit in Oakland, says she's seen businesses tell their workers who caught COVID outside of work to first use up their regular sick leave before touching their COVID sick pay — which \"should not be the case,\" she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>San Francisco's Public Health Emergency Leave is specifically designed to apply to time off needed because of COVID, as this disease is the reason for the city's \u003ca href=\"https://sf.gov/resource/2022/public-health-emergency-declarations\">Public Health Emergency Declaration \u003c/a>that prompted the Public Health Emergency Leave Ordinance.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If your employer insists you don't need to use COVID sick pay because you work from home ...\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even if your human resources department isn't outright denying you COVID sick leave, unfortunately you may find that you're being discouraged one way or another from claiming it — especially if you work from home.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You could find your employer pressuring you to keep \"working through\" your COVID infection at home, or to otherwise limit the amount of days you claim as paid COVID sick leave.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If this happens, remind your employer of the city-mandated COVID sick leave laws that entitle you to up to 80 hours of sick pay, and that you’ll be accessing this paid leave for as long as you are unable to work because you're recovering from COVID. You may find it helpful to remind your employer of \u003ca href=\"https://sfgov.org/olse/sites/default/files/Public%20Health%20Emergency%20Leave%20Poster%207.2022.pdf\">this posting from the San Francisco Officer of Labor Standards Enforcement, which makes clear who is eligible for Public Health Emergency Leave (PDF)\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember, unless you work in a health care setting, it's unlikely your employer or their HR department are themselves medical professionals, and they're not privy to your medical history or risk level. Therefore, the amount of time your employer thinks you \"should\" claim as COVID sick leave — or comparing it to the amount of time other employees have taken to recover from COVID — is irrelevant here. If you need advice, and have access to health care, consult your doctor on how long you should stay off work because you have COVID.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If your employer says their business is too small for you to claim COVID sick leave ...\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Although Public Health Emergency Leave is available only to employees who work for a San Francisco employer with 100 or more staff, not all of those employees have to be in San Francisco — or even within the United States.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If your boss says you're otherwise not eligible to claim COVID sick leave ...\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If your employer denies your request on the grounds that they don’t know what you’re talking about, or that you don’t qualify when you believe you do, make your request again but this time include \u003ca href=\"https://sfgov.org/olse/sites/default/files/Public%20Health%20Emergency%20Leave%20Poster%207.2022.pdf\">this posting from the San Francisco Officer of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE), which makes clear who is eligible for Public Health Emergency Leave (PDF)\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If your boss or your human resources department is still pushing back even after you shared the posting, OLSE says that you can contact them directly:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>By emailing \u003ca href=\"mailto:PSL@sfgov.org\">PSL@sfgov.org\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>By calling (415) 554-6271\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>You can also find resources and fact sheets about your labor rights on OLSE's website, \u003ca href=\"https://sf.gov/departments/office-labor-standards-enforcement\">sfgov.org/olse\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember, OLSE says that if you assert your right to receive public health emergency leave, you're protected from retaliation. The agency also reminds employers that the city can investigate possible violations and get access to employer records. OLSE also can enforce these public health emergency leave requirements \"by ordering reinstatement of employees, payment of paid leave unlawfully withheld, and payment of penalties.\"\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you're worried about pushing back against your employer ...\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Chavez, attorney with Centro Legal de la Raza, understands that some workers may feel nervous about having these complicated conversations, especially if they fear that their employer will retaliate against them by cutting their wages or hours, or firing them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There are laws that protect (workers) against retaliation,” she said. “So if that were to occur — whether a person is undocumented, a U.S. citizen, or anything else — a person can file a retaliation complaint.” You can \u003ca href=\"https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/rci_osha_complaint.htm\">file a complaint with the Labor Commissioner’s Office online\u003c/a>, by calling (714) 558-4913 or \u003ca href=\"mailto:oshaRetaliation@dir.ca.gov\">emailing osharetaliation@dir.ca.gov\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember, San Francisco's Office of Labor Standards Enforcement also says that if you assert your right to receive Public Health Emergency Leave, you're protected from retaliation. The agency also reminds employers that the city can investigate possible violations and get access to employer records. OLSE also can enforce these public health emergency leave requirements \"by ordering reinstatement of employees, payment of paid leave unlawfully withheld, and payment of penalties.\"\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you're still hesitant about filing a formal complaint when your employer refuses to accommodate your sick leave request or if you haven't heard back from the Labor Commissioner's Office, you have other options.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There have been a few instances where Chavez and her office have helped workers secure COVID sick leave by writing a letter to the employer. \"Turn to attorneys or someone who's willing to assist with a letter where they can put it in language from the law that states very clearly what the employer is required to do,\" she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here are some organizations that offer free legal aid to workers in the Bay Area:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://legalaidatwork.org/clinics-and-helplines/\">Legal Aid at Work\u003c/a>: (415) 864-8208\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.advancingjustice-alc.org/get-help\">Asian Americans Advancing Justice/Asian Law Caucus\u003c/a>: (415) 896-1701\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.centrolegal.org/\">Centro Legal de la Raza\u003c/a>: (510) 437-1554\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"id": "commonwealth-club",
"title": "Commonwealth Club of California Podcast",
"info": "The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. As a non-partisan forum, The Club brings to the public airwaves diverse viewpoints on important topics. The Club's weekly radio broadcast - the oldest in the U.S., dating back to 1924 - is carried across the nation on public radio stations and is now podcasting. Our website archive features audio of our recent programs, as well as selected speeches from our long and distinguished history. This podcast feed is usually updated twice a week and is always un-edited.",
"airtime": "THU 10pm, FRI 1am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Commonwealth-Club-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
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"meta": {
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"source": "Commonwealth Club of California"
},
"link": "/radio/program/commonwealth-club",
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jb21tb253ZWFsdGhjbHViLm9yZy9hdWRpby9wb2RjYXN0L3dlZWtseS54bWw",
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},
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"id": "forum",
"title": "Forum",
"tagline": "The conversation starts here",
"info": "KQED’s live call-in program discussing local, state, national and international issues, as well as in-depth interviews.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 9am-11am, 10pm-11pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Forum-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Forum with Mina Kim and Alexis Madrigal",
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"order": 9
},
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"id": "freakonomics-radio",
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"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/05/freakonomicsRadio.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://freakonomics.com/",
"airtime": "SUN 1am-2am, SAT 3pm-4pm",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/freakonomics-radio",
"subscribe": {
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/freakonomics-radio/id354668519",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/WNYC-Podcasts/Freakonomics-Radio-p272293/",
"rss": "https://feeds.feedburner.com/freakonomicsradio"
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},
"fresh-air": {
"id": "fresh-air",
"title": "Fresh Air",
"info": "Hosted by Terry Gross, \u003cem>Fresh Air from WHYY\u003c/em> is the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues. One of public radio's most popular programs, Fresh Air features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries.",
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=214089682&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/381444908/podcast.xml"
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"info": "A live production of NPR and WBUR Boston, in collaboration with stations across the country, Here & Now reflects the fluid world of news as it's happening in the middle of the day, with timely, in-depth news, interviews and conversation. Hosted by Robin Young, Jeremy Hobson and Tonya Mosley.",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510051/podcast.xml"
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},
"hidden-brain": {
"id": "hidden-brain",
"title": "Hidden Brain",
"info": "Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships.",
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"airtime": "SUN 7pm-8pm",
"meta": {
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"source": "NPR"
},
"link": "/radio/program/hidden-brain",
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},
"how-i-built-this": {
"id": "how-i-built-this",
"title": "How I Built This with Guy Raz",
"info": "Guy Raz dives into the stories behind some of the world's best known companies. How I Built This weaves a narrative journey about innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists—and the movements they built.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/05/howIBuiltThis.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510313/how-i-built-this",
"airtime": "SUN 7:30pm-8pm",
"meta": {
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},
"link": "/radio/program/how-i-built-this",
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"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/3zxy",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-built-this-with-guy-raz/id1150510297?mt=2",
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},
"hyphenacion": {
"id": "hyphenacion",
"title": "Hyphenación",
"tagline": "Where conversation and cultura meet",
"info": "What kind of no sabo word is Hyphenación? For us, it’s about living within a hyphenation. Like being a third-gen Mexican-American from the Texas border now living that Bay Area Chicano life. Like Xorje! Each week we bring together a couple of hyphenated Latinos to talk all about personal life choices: family, careers, relationships, belonging … everything is on the table. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Hyphenacion_FinalAssets_PodcastTile.png",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/hyphenacion",
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"order": 15
},
"link": "/podcasts/hyphenacion",
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"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/2p3Fifq96nw9BPcmFdIq0o?si=39209f7b25774f38",
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},
"jerrybrown": {
"id": "jerrybrown",
"title": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown",
"tagline": "Lessons from a lifetime in politics",
"info": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown brings listeners the wisdom of the former Governor, Mayor, and presidential candidate. Scott Shafer interviewed Brown for more than 40 hours, covering the former governor's life and half-century in the political game – and Brown has some lessons he'd like to share. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Political-Mind-of-Jerry-Brown-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
"meta": {
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"order": 18
},
"link": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
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}
},
"latino-usa": {
"id": "latino-usa",
"title": "Latino USA",
"airtime": "MON 1am-2am, SUN 6pm-7pm",
"info": "Latino USA, the radio journal of news and culture, is the only national, English-language radio program produced from a Latino perspective.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/latinoUsa.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://latinousa.org/",
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},
"link": "/radio/program/latino-usa",
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=79681317&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510016/podcast.xml"
}
},
"marketplace": {
"id": "marketplace",
"title": "Marketplace",
"info": "Our flagship program, helmed by Kai Ryssdal, examines what the day in money delivered, through stories, conversations, newsworthy numbers and more. Updated Monday through Friday at about 3:30 p.m. PT.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 4pm-4:30pm, MON-WED 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marketplace-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.marketplace.org/",
"meta": {
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"source": "American Public Media"
},
"link": "/radio/program/marketplace",
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"rss": "https://feeds.publicradio.org/public_feeds/marketplace-pm/rss/rss"
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},
"masters-of-scale": {
"id": "masters-of-scale",
"title": "Masters of Scale",
"info": "Masters of Scale is an original podcast in which LinkedIn co-founder and Greylock Partner Reid Hoffman sets out to describe and prove theories that explain how great entrepreneurs take their companies from zero to a gazillion in ingenious fashion.",
"airtime": "Every other Wednesday June 12 through October 16 at 8pm (repeats Thursdays at 2am)",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Masters-of-Scale-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://mastersofscale.com/",
"meta": {
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"source": "WaitWhat"
},
"link": "/radio/program/masters-of-scale",
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"apple": "http://mastersofscale.app.link/",
"rss": "https://rss.art19.com/masters-of-scale"
}
},
"mindshift": {
"id": "mindshift",
"title": "MindShift",
"tagline": "A podcast about the future of learning and how we raise our kids",
"info": "The MindShift podcast explores the innovations in education that are shaping how kids learn. Hosts Ki Sung and Katrina Schwartz introduce listeners to educators, researchers, parents and students who are developing effective ways to improve how kids learn. We cover topics like how fed-up administrators are developing surprising tactics to deal with classroom disruptions; how listening to podcasts are helping kids develop reading skills; the consequences of overparenting; and why interdisciplinary learning can engage students on all ends of the traditional achievement spectrum. This podcast is part of the MindShift education site, a division of KQED News. KQED is an NPR/PBS member station based in San Francisco. You can also visit the MindShift website for episodes and supplemental blog posts or tweet us \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/MindShiftKQED\">@MindShiftKQED\u003c/a> or visit us at \u003ca href=\"/mindshift\">MindShift.KQED.org\u003c/a>",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mindshift-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED MindShift: How We Will Learn",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/mindshift/",
"meta": {
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 12
},
"link": "/podcasts/mindshift",
"subscribe": {
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM1NzY0NjAwNDI5",
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}
},
"morning-edition": {
"id": "morning-edition",
"title": "Morning Edition",
"info": "\u003cem>Morning Edition\u003c/em> takes listeners around the country and the world with multi-faceted stories and commentaries every weekday. Hosts Steve Inskeep, David Greene and Rachel Martin bring you the latest breaking news and features to prepare you for the day.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 3am-9am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Morning-Edition-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/morning-edition/",
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"link": "/radio/program/morning-edition"
},
"onourwatch": {
"id": "onourwatch",
"title": "On Our Watch",
"tagline": "Deeply-reported investigative journalism",
"info": "For decades, the process for how police police themselves has been inconsistent – if not opaque. In some states, like California, these proceedings were completely hidden. After a new police transparency law unsealed scores of internal affairs files, our reporters set out to examine these cases and the shadow world of police discipline. On Our Watch brings listeners into the rooms where officers are questioned and witnesses are interrogated to find out who this system is really protecting. Is it the officers, or the public they've sworn to serve?",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/On-Our-Watch-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "On Our Watch from NPR and KQED",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 11
},
"link": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1567098962",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5ucHIub3JnLzUxMDM2MC9wb2RjYXN0LnhtbD9zYz1nb29nbGVwb2RjYXN0cw",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510360/podcast.xml"
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},
"on-the-media": {
"id": "on-the-media",
"title": "On The Media",
"info": "Our weekly podcast explores how the media 'sausage' is made, casts an incisive eye on fluctuations in the marketplace of ideas, and examines threats to the freedom of information and expression in America and abroad. For one hour a week, the show tries to lift the veil from the process of \"making media,\" especially news media, because it's through that lens that we see the world and the world sees us",
"airtime": "SUN 2pm-3pm, MON 12am-1am",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/onTheMedia.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/otm",
"meta": {
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"source": "wnyc"
},
"link": "/radio/program/on-the-media",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-media/id73330715?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/On-the-Media-p69/",
"rss": "http://feeds.wnyc.org/onthemedia"
}
},
"pbs-newshour": {
"id": "pbs-newshour",
"title": "PBS NewsHour",
"info": "Analysis, background reports and updates from the PBS NewsHour putting today's news in context.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 3pm-4pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PBS-News-Hour-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/",
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"source": "pbs"
},
"link": "/radio/program/pbs-newshour",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pbs-newshour-full-show/id394432287?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/PBS-NewsHour---Full-Show-p425698/",
"rss": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/feeds/rss/podcasts/show"
}
},
"perspectives": {
"id": "perspectives",
"title": "Perspectives",
"tagline": "KQED's series of daily listener commentaries since 1991",
"info": "KQED's series of daily listener commentaries since 1991.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Perspectives_Tile_Final.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Perspectives",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/perspectives/",
"meta": {
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 14
},
"link": "/perspectives",
"subscribe": {
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"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/432309616/perspectives",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/perspectives/category/perspectives/feed/",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93dzIua3FlZC5vcmcvcGVyc3BlY3RpdmVzL2NhdGVnb3J5L3BlcnNwZWN0aXZlcy9mZWVkLw"
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},
"planet-money": {
"id": "planet-money",
"title": "Planet Money",
"info": "The economy explained. Imagine you could call up a friend and say, Meet me at the bar and tell me what's going on with the economy. Now imagine that's actually a fun evening.",
"airtime": "SUN 3pm-4pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/planetmoney.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/sections/money/",
"meta": {
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"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/planet-money",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/M4f5",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/planet-money/id290783428?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/Business--Economics-Podcasts/Planet-Money-p164680/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510289/podcast.xml"
}
},
"politicalbreakdown": {
"id": "politicalbreakdown",
"title": "Political Breakdown",
"tagline": "Politics from a personal perspective",
"info": "Political Breakdown is a new series that explores the political intersection of California and the nation. Each week hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined with a new special guest to unpack politics -- with personality — and offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics happens.",
"airtime": "THU 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Political-Breakdown-2024-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Political Breakdown",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/politicalbreakdown",
"meta": {
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 5
},
"link": "/podcasts/politicalbreakdown",
"subscribe": {
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"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e0c2d153-ad36-4c8d-901d-f1da6a724824/political-breakdown",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/572155894/political-breakdown",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/political-breakdown",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/07RVyIjIdk2WDuVehvBMoN",
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