California Helps Make COVID-19 Telehealth Services Accessible to All
Individuals aged 12 and older who test positive for COVID-19 and have symptoms can now access free telehealth services and receive medication through the COVID-19 Test to Treat Telehealth Program provided by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). This program ensures that all individuals, no matter their insurance status, can have rapid access to treatment.
CDPH encourages the use of COVID-19 medications (like Paxlovid or Molnupiravir) for symptomatic COVID-19 cases as an effective treatment that greatly lowers the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Anyone over the age of 50 who is positive and symptomatic automatically qualifies for medications. Individuals ages 12-49 with underlying conditions such as diabetes, depression, and asthma also qualify for free medications. Treatment must be started within 5–7 days after the first symptoms appear.
Individuals can access this new service via phone, online, or by scanning a QR code to make an appointment for an online screening with a healthcare provider to determine treatment. Doctors who speak Spanish and English are available, and translation services in multiple languages can be requested when the appointment is made.
- Call: (833) 686-5051
- Website: https://sesamecare.com/covid
- QR code: (English/Spanish)
Employers and community-based organizations looking to promote this program or receive training and support with making appointments for those seeking care can find more information on the Test to Treat program flyer here in English and Spanish.
To learn more about the free program or request to participate, email Testing Task Force at: Testing.Taskforce.Outreach@cdph.ca.gov.