Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the launch of a new hotline aimed at keeping California seniors connected as residents throughout the state are ordered to stay home to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The phone number, 1-833-544-2374, will provide help and critical services for older Californians, the governor said during his daily briefing on the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

In recent weeks, the United States government and the California state government have declared the coronavirus outbreak an official emergency. With that declaration, many rules limiting government assistance have been waived or modified. Through these emergency declarations, coupled with the three relief bills approved by Congress, more seniors are authorized to receive assistance with medical fees, living expenses, food and transportation.

DMV Extension for Drivers 70+
The DMV is providing a 120-day extension to Californians age 70 and older with a driver license that expires from March 1 to May 31, 2020. This action ensures this vulnerable group can avoid a DMV office visit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF AGING
Under the umbrella of the California Health and Human Services Agency, the California Department of Aging (CDA) administers programs that serve older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers, and residents in long-term care facilities throughout the State. These programs are funded through the federal Older Americans Act, the Older Californians Act, and through the Medi-Cal program. www.aging.ca.gov

MEDICARE COVERAGE & COSTS Medicare rules have been revised extensively to deal with the coronavirus outbreak. Seniors can find answers to questions about Medicare costs and coverage for coronavirus testing and treatment, after care, co-pays and deductibles on the Medicare & Coronavirus webpage. The webpage also explains the waivers and exemptions now available and provides links to other sources of information seniors may need.

TREATMENT, WAIVERS OF WAITING PERIODS & PRE-APPROVAL
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has waived numerous waiting periods, treatment restrictions, and prior authorization requirements to help hospitals manage increased numbers of patients requiring emergency or extensive healthcare due to COVID-19. These waivers include the requirement for a 3-day inpatient hospital stay before Medicare will cover treatment in a skilled nursing facility. Prior authorization and penalties for using out-of-network or out-of-state providers have been waived as well. More details are provided here.

TELEHEALTH OPTIONS
Medicare has temporarily expanded its coverage of telehealth services to respond to the coronavirus outbreak. Medicare enrollees can access remote care using a wider range of communication tools, such as smartphones, and a wider range of providers, including doctors, nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers. Medicare will also permit seniors to obtain medications from Medicare and Medicare Advantage medication programs using mail-order delivery, other delivery methods, out-of-network pharmacies, or pharmacies closer to their homes. Seniors are also permitted to stock up on medications under the recently enacted waivers.

MEDICARE AFTER LOSS OF INSURANCE FROM EMPLOYMENT
Working seniors who have been laid off or let go because of stay-at-home orders and the resulting business shutdowns may be very worried because they have lost employer-sponsored health insurance. However, losing employer-based medical insurance is considered a life-changing event that opens enrollment to Medicare or Medicare Advantage at any time.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR RETIREES AND LOW-INCOME SENIORS
The huge volatility in the stock market and uncertainty in real estate valuations have created serious financial concerns for some seniors living on pensions or investments or who have relied on equity in their homes during prior economic downturns. Congressional relief bills have waived penalties applied to early withdrawals from Roth IRAs and other tax-deferred savings for temporary withdrawals that are repaid after the emergency declaration is terminated.

COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR SENIORS
Some seniors may now need assistance with rent, utilities, food, and medication costs but not know where to find temporary relief. Seniors can find regional or local nonprofit organizations, government agencies, food pantries, utilities assistance, unemployment benefits and more by visiting 211.org. More local assistance can be found at the California Coronavirus Response.

FUNERALS AND RELIGIOUS RIGHTS AFTER COVID-19 DEATH
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) provides information about avoiding potential contamination from a person who has died after contracting the COVID-19 virus. CDC guidelines state there is no evidence suggesting people are at increased risk if they attend funeral services for someone with COVID-19. However, the guidelines strongly recommend seniors and others with compromised immunity avoid physical contact with the body, including kissing the body or touching hands, cheeks, or other surfaces where the virus may linger. If cultural or religious rites require washing or shrouding the body, individuals involved in those rites should use personal protective equipment to avoid contamination.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
AARP provides more information about a wide array of other concerns seniors may have about healthcare coverage and finances while the coronavirus outbreak continues. Topics include taxes, charitable contributions, mortgage payments, rental evictions, and temporarily holds on mortgage payments.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued guidance for older adults regarding COVID-19. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/covid19-guidance.html

Here are resources for Santa Clarita Seniors:

Santa Clarita Grocery is located in the central Santa Clarita Valley, providing a wide selection of fresh foods, produce, dairy, breads, bakery items, and canned goods. For more information, click here.

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