COVID-19 and Health News
WA Health Plan Expansion for DACA Recipients
People with certain immigration statuses now qualify for more savings
Due to a recent federal change, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and other people with qualifying immigration statuses can now access increased federal savings through Washington HealthplanfinderTM as of Nov. 1, 2024. These savings significantly lower costs for most — many customers can find a health plan for less than $10 per month.
Who qualifies? Immigration statuses include:
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DACA recipients
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Valid nonimmigrant visa-holders
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People with a pending application for adjustment of status
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People granted employment authorization
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Family Unity Program beneficiaries
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Special Immigrant Juveniles with approved petitions
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Certain asylum applicants under age 14
How can someone get their new savings?
Any household member affected by the recent change needs to select “Yes” to the question, “Is this household member lawfully present in the U.S.?” in their Washington Healthplanfinder application. Those who may be affected (current customers and people who recently applied to Washington Healthplanfinder) were notified of the change in their preferred language. Assisters are also reaching out to people with qualified statuses who they previously helped.
To sign up for coverage or update an existing application:
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Contact a trained, trusted local assister by visiting Washington Healthplanfinder’s “Support in Your Area” page to find help.
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Call Washington Healthplanfinder’s Customer Support Center at 1-855-923-4633 (TTY/TDD: 1-855-627-9604). Language assistance is available in more than 200 languages.
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Go online; visit wahealthplanfinder.org.
When does someone need to act to get these savings?
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People who sign-up or update their application by Oct. 15, will have coverage with the additional savings starting Nov. 1. If they act by Nov. 15, coverage with the additional savings will start Dec. 1.
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An existing special enrollment period is available for people who gain citizenship/lawfully presence. (Enter 11/1/2024, as date gained.)
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People can also sign up or update their application during open-enrollment (Nov. 1–Jan. 15).
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People who sign up or update their application by Dec. 15 will have coverage with the additional savings starting Jan. 1.
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People who sign up or update their application by Jan. 15, will have coverage with the additional savings starting Feb. 1.
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August Health Updates
COVID-19 test positivity and hospitalizations are increasing. COVID-19 can increase during any season of the year, including summer. To protect yourself and others from COVID-19 this summer:
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Get the COVID-19 vaccine (2023-2024 is the latest vaccine)
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Maintain good hygiene -- washing hands, keeping surfaces clean
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Treatment (e.g., Paxlovid) -- must be started within 5-7 days after developing symptoms
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Wearing masks and social distancing
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Staying home and preventing spread of disease
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Getting tested often
The multi-state outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in dairy cows, poultry, and other animals continues to be a public health challenge.
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It is recommended to avoid exposures to sick animals, including wild and domesticated birds, poultry, cows, and other farm animals.
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People should not drink raw milk-- opt for pasteurized milk, which is safe to drink.
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People who have job-related contact to potentially infected animals should wear personal protected equipment.
Monkeypox Phoneline and Updates
Have any questions related to the Monkeypox Virus (MPV)? People across Washington can now call 1-833-829-HELP to get their questions answered! Language assistance is available in 240 languages. Please see more details about the resource here.
For additional information about the Monkeypox virus, to access frequently asked questions (FAQS) and to keep up to date with case count, please visit the DOH MPV webpage available in English or Spanish. The webpage will soon be available in Russian, Vietnamese, Ukrainian, Somali, Korean, Tagalog, Arabic, Punjabi, Cambodian and Chinese (Simplified and Traditional).
The CDC website on Monkeypox also lists ways that it can be spread, signs and symptoms, and what to do if you are sick. Visit the site here.
Getting Our Booster Shots for Better Health
COVID-19 Updates
For the latest information on the available COVID vaccine clinics for Thurston County visit:
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The Department of Health's website to sign up for a vaccine appointment
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The Thurston County Public Health's website
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The Thurston County Public Health's Facebook
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The Department of Health's Covid-19 website
AANHPI language vaccine videos presented by Crossing TV
Oral Therapeutics
Swipe through for more languages!
Language Based Covid Resources and Recommendations
As COVID-19 guidance changes, the DOH is actively working to translate updated content into 40 languages (including many AANHPI).
To access translated versions:
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Visit https://doh.wa.gov/emergencies/covid-19/resources-and-recommendations
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Locate the brown rectangle in the top right corner of your screen that features the page’s current language and has an arrow indicating a drop-down menu.
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Select the arrow and your preferred language from the dropdown menu.
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Translated COVID-19 guidance available in the selected language will populate the page.
The DOH released translated versions of the following documents this week, which are available on the DOH website:
Language Based COVID Pediatric Vaccine Resources for Parents & Guardians
Resources are available in the following languages:
English, Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Hmong, Japanese, Korean,Lao,Somali, Vietnamese, Hindi, Nepali, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Thai
This is a community generated list of information on COVID Pediatric Vaccines and some general COVID vaccine info. Please note the links are shared by community members and not vetted for translation accuracy, use care in selecting which resources to give to families.
COVID-19 Impact and Considerations for Asians
Asian American COVID-19 Experience Report by NYU Center for the Study of Asian American Health (CSAAH)
Education, Communication, and Outreach Resources
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Asian Pacific Islander Coalition Advocating Together Resources
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COVID-19 Vaccine PSA Nepal Seattle Society. video public service announcement from the Nepal Seattle Society encourages getting vaccinated
For Refugees and Immigrant Communities