NOTE: The public health emergency for mpox ended effective February 1, 2023. As a result, information on this page will be updated as needed.
The Health Consumer Alliance can help you access health care for MPX/Mpox. Please read our Q&A below for details about your rights. Call our toll-free hotline at 888‑804‑3536 (TTY 877‑735‑2929) for a free, confidential consultation.
How do I get the MPX/Mpox vaccine? Do I have to pay?
As of early August 2022, California received from the federal government a supply of JYNNEOS (also known as Imvamune or Imvanex) vaccines. Local public health agencies are responsible for providing them to people. Contact your health care provider or your local public health agency for more information on how to get a vaccine.
Update: Since the Mpox public health emergency ended on January 31, 2023, effective February 1, 2023, DHCS will reimburse the Mpox vaccine administration at the Medi-Cal Fee-For-Service rate currently in effect. If your Medi-Cal provider asks you to pay for the vaccine, tell them to bill Medi-Cal and not charge you.
How do I get MPX/Mpox testing? Do I have to pay?
Local public health agencies are coordinating MPX/Mpox testing. Contact your health care provider or your local public health agency for more information on how to get tested.
Medi-Cal will pay for MPX/Mpox testing. So will Family PACT. Most California health plans must also cover testing for free.
How do I get MPX/Mpox treatment? Do I have to pay?
Contact your health care provider or health care plan. Treatment for MPX/Mpox should be covered as a medically necessary service. If your health plan denies coverage, you get a bill, or you have to pay — contact the Health Consumer Alliance for free help at 888‑804‑3536 (TTY 877‑735‑2929).
Note: Tecovirimat (also known as TPOXX or ST-246) is available to treat MPX/Mpox under special federal rules. You might get this treatment for MPX/Mpox if you have a severe disease, are at high risk of severe disease, or have infections in places on your body where MPX/Mpox might cause problems. Talk with your medical provider for more information.
Why is there a public health emergency for MPX/Mpox?
The federal government declared a public health emergency for MPX/Mpox on August 4, 2022, and it expired on February 1, 2023. California declared a state of emergency for MPX/Mpox on August 1, 2022, that expired on February 1, 2023. These declarations allowed the federal and state governments to work quickly to provide testing, vaccines, and treatment for MPX/Mpox. After the expiration of the emergency, some coverage for mpox-related vaccines and testing may be limited.
Where can I learn more about MPX/Mpox ?
- California Department of Public Health
- MPX/Mpox Medi-Cal Response for fee-for-service (regular) Medi-Cal
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
- LA County Department of Public Health
NOTE: The public health emergency for mpox ended effective February 1, 2023. As a result, information on this page will be update as needed.
Want something added to or changed on this page? Please contact David at dkane@wclp.org.
