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doesn’t have to be a scary adventure.  Through a new print and digital media campaign, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) encourages residents to take their best shot at health and wellness this season by getting their annual flu vaccine. The campaign will reach Inland Empire residents through commercials on local television stations, radio spots, community outreach and social media posts, directing them to IEHP’s website for vaccine information and details.  “No one wants to be slowed down in 2023,” said IEHP Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Takashi Wada. “This campaign is to serve as a reminder that staying healthy and well can be as easy as stopping by a vaccine clinic or checking in with your primary care physician.” The campaign began in winter 2022 and will run through spring 2023. “The flu isn’t isolated to a particular time and the flu vaccine can protect you throughout the year. Like the COVID-19 vaccine, it can also significantly reduce symptoms in case you do contract it.”  To receive a free flu vaccine, no visit to a wizard or good witch is required! Residents in Riverside County can visit ruhealth.org/flu. Residents in San Bernardino County can visit dhp.sbcounty.gov to find free local clinics. Flu vaccines are always free for IEHP members. To learn more, visit iehp.org.

s, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) member Lavinia experienced panic and anxiety attacks that compounded her heart issues and led to more hospital visits.  IEHP team members identified Lavinia’s specialized needs and connected her to a pilot program with focused support coordination for patients with congestive heart failure.  By participating in the program, Lavinia received free, medically tailored meals; regular check-ins from IEHP case management representatives; and tools like a glucometer, blood pressure cuff and weight scale to encourage her health. The program also connected Lavinia to IEHP’s Health Navigator team, who conducted in-home visits.  “Being able to be that person that they can socialize with, laugh with – even for just, maybe 30 minutes that we were there, it made a whole difference in their life, knowing that they had that support,” said IEHP Health Navigator Lucia Reyes. IEHP Care Manager Jonathan Lee called Lavinia for weekly check-ins, receiving inspiring progress reports about following her diet of no salt/no sodium and partnering with her Providers on her road back to health. “IEHP was calling … ‘Lavinia, what can we do to help you?’ … And that’s what helped me because I realized there were people that cared,” said Lavinia. Today, more than 18 months after being discharged from the ER, Lavinia feels better and stronger and has learned how to control her weight, losing 44 pounds so far, crediting the tasty and healthy meals provided to her. “IEHP helped me be a better person – because if it wasn’t being part of that program, I don’t think I would be here,” Lavinia said. “They saved my life – thank you. You guys did more than what you know.” IEHP members who would like to learn more about medically tailored meals and community support services can reach out to their care managers to see if they qualify.  For more details and information on Lavinia’s story, follow IEHP on LinkedIn.    

l, family and friends, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) offers a regular schedule of fun – and free – classes at its community resource centers.  “Extracurricular activities decrease the potential for risky behaviors in children and young adults and provide an increased sense of connectedness and belonging,” said IEHP Community Behavioral Health Clinical Director Amrita Rai. “Any kind of opportunity to engage in activities supporting healthy emotional development can increase self-esteem and the ability to interact with peers, which offers benefits well into adulthood.” IEHP’s community resource centers can help nurture and improve mental health for young Inland Empire residents. The centers offer classes and activities including Zumba, creative arts, cooking and gardening across its three locations in Riverside, San Bernardino and Victorville. Sessions are held Monday through Saturday and can be found on iehp.org. The U.S Surgeon General’s 2021 Advisory  further highlights COVID-19’s impact to the ongoing youth mental health crisis, citing the urgent need to address these challenges head-on through coordinated action by community and federal organizations and by recognizing mental health as an essential part of overall health. This concept is not new to IEHP, which is currently partnering with several community organizations and Local Education Agencies to expand behavioral health services in and near schools (Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program).  The health plan is also exploring opportunities to add even more free classes and activities for teens and young adults to their centers through a partnership with Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy.   “We’re looking forward to adding more fun to our center schedules in the weeks and months to come,” said IEHP Victorville Community Resource Center Manager Delia Orosco. “Our centers serve as a safe space for all who enter, regardless of age, to truly express themselves and we take that very seriously.” To learn more about IEHP Community Resource Centers and class schedules, visit iehp.org.  

accine clinics to remind community residents that it’s not too late to receive their COVID-19 vaccines. Events are scheduled throughout the week and include partnerships with Music Changing Lives and Never Stop Grinding Impact.   To date, approximately 43% of San Bernardino County residents are not fully vaccinated, contributing to the importance of on-going clinics and support. “One of the most effective steps we can take to keep COVID-19 rates low is to be fully-vaccinated,” said IEHP Chief Medical Officer Dr. Takashi Wada. “We’re thrilled that COVID-19 infection rates have decreased in recent weeks, and we’d love to keep it that way so we can continue to enjoy the community and public events we love so much.” The health plan will be kicking off the month of April by sponsoring a walk-in vaccine clinic at the 2nd Annual Community Easter Event, hosted by IE Survive and Sista’s Making A Difference, on Sunday, April 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Music Changing Lives Urban Garden (261 W. 40th Street in San Bernardino). The event is in partnership with So Cal Trash Army and Just Plant It, and will include food, music, raffles, arts and crafts and an easter egg hunt. Information on this event can be found on the official event Facebook page.  IEHP will also support Never Stop Grinding Impact’s Spring Easter Event in partnership with the City of Rialto on Saturday, April 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 150 South Palm Ave. in Rialto. This free event will include a vaccine clinic, game booths, prizes, inflatable jumpers, gifts for kids and adults, snacks, and more. Registration is required and can be completed by visiting the Never Stop Grinding Impact’s Facebook page.  “Collaborating with our community partners is one of the best ways we can actively engage with our communities and meet our Members where they are,” said Marci Coffey, IEHP’s Director of Partnerships. “We’re grateful for all the opportunities to work together with the community organizations and vaccine partners, like the County of San Bernardino’s Public Health Department and Rite Aid, which support our vaccine efforts in the region.” In addition to these events, the health plan continues to sponsor community clinics and events throughout the year to ensure Inland Empire residents have needed access to COVID-19 vaccines. For more information on events and clinics, visit iehp.org.   

in Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) Community Resource Centers this month for free readings and conversations about breast cancer awareness, including the importance of screenings. Bonus: The first 100 session attendees will receive a free signed copy of Franklin’s book! “If I can help just one woman, or one man, understand that even though a breast cancer diagnosis is scary, it doesn't have to be a life sentence nor equal death,” shared Franklin. “It is, however, a lifelong journey that one does not take alone, but with a village of survivors.” Franklin will be visiting the health plan’s community resource centers at the following dates and times:  Saturday, Oct. 8, from 10-11:30 a.m. at IEHP’s Riverside Center, 3590 Tyler St., Suite 101, Riverside, CA 92503 Saturday, Oct. 15, from 10-11:30 a.m. at IEHP’s Victorville Center, 12353 Mariposa Road, Suites C-2 & C-3, Victorville, CA 92395 Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10-11:30 a.m. at IEHP’s San Bernardino Center, 805 W. Second St., Suite C, San Bernardino, CA 92410 “Mammograms and breast exams save lives,” added Franklin. “Women should educate themselves thoroughly about their bodies and medical history and should never be afraid to ask questions during doctor’s visits or get a second opinion. Early detection and knowledge are key.” In addition to Franklin’s visit, IEHP Community Resource Centers will also host breast and cervical health classes, food demonstrations, and provide pink T-shirts and ribbons (while supplies last) for visitors to support or commemorate loved ones in the fight against breast cancer. “Laura’s story is an honest account of her vulnerability and how she found hope in her faith through her breast cancer journey,” said IEHP Community Resource Center Manager Maria Gallegos. “We are so excited to have Laura share her story with our communities and inspire women in our community to engage in their own wellness.” Registration for Franklin’s book reading and talk is not required and community resource center events are always free and open to the public. Additional information about the centers and their class offerings is available on IEHP’s Facebook page.  “Our community resource centers serve as a wellness hub for all who visit us,” said IEHP Community Resource Center Manager Delia Orosco. “We’re thrilled to welcome Laura to our centers and connect her to our members and communities to inspire even more health and wellness.”  

lle Community Resource Center on-site partner, is hosting housing support workshops for county residents.  These free workshops will offer residents a wide range of information on housing assistance resources, including how to sign up for rental assistance and learn more about the county’s housing voucher program. Each workshop is open to the public and will be held at the Victorville Community Resource Center located at 12353 Mariposa Road, Suites C-2 & C-3.  The workshops are scheduled from 9-10 a.m. on the following Wednesdays: Aug. 3 Aug. 17 Sept. 7 Sept. 21 By providing housing resources workshops at the Victorville Community Center, customers can learn about affordable housing services offered by HACSB and access supportive services from other community partners in one location,” said HACSB Director of Policy and Public Relations, Nicole Beydler. “Our hope is that this partnership helps to connect affordable housing and related services, and that customers will be able to leverage these services toward achieving their goals.” HACSB focuses on providing housing assistance through resources authorized and funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Through this work, HACSB is one of the most progressive housing authorities in the country and the largest provider of affordable housing in San Bernardino County. Currently, HACSB assists about 26,000 people, most of whom are seniors, individuals with disabilities, veterans and children. “We are proud to partner with IEHP to bring these housing resource workshops to the community. Safe and stable housing is fundamental, but it takes more than housing to achieve an enriched quality of life,” added Beydler. Through IEHP and HACSB’s collaboration, the health plan’s Victorville Community Resource center was also designated as a United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) EnVision Center last year. This highlights the center's ability and commitment to empower households with resources and support needed to become self-sufficient. Resources pertain to economic empowerment, educational advancement, health and wellness and character leadership.  “Knowledge and information are power,” said IEHP Victorville Community Resource Center Manager Delia Orosco. “In collaboration with HACSB and our other center partners, we can empower our communities with information needed to truly inspire positive change in their own lives.” In addition to HACSB, IEHP’s Victorville center currently hosts five, on-site partners to support community residents. Partners include Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy, TODEC Legal Center, Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County and the Goodwill of Southern California.  Click here for more information on IEHP’s Community Resource Centers.   

of fun into life skills training classes, then watch the positivity ensue. High Desert children and teens are well on their way to success, thanks to Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy (YVYLA) and its Creative Arts and Cognitive Life Skills program, which is offered at Inland Empire Health Plan’s (IEHP) Victorville Community Resource Center. A regular on-site partner at IEHP’s Victorville center, YVYLA works tirelessly to empower and enrich the lives of young people (ages 10-19) through life-building activities and instruction in the areas of education, employment and mentoring. To achieve this, YVYLA offers various programs as well as family and social resources.  “Three days a week, we bring creative arts classes, cooking and support groups for teens in Victorville,” said Terrance Stone, YVYLA chief executive officer. “Each class is intentionally designed and provides a positive environment where students learn cultural awareness, life skills and much more.” In addition to the IEHP partnership, YVYLA collaborates with school districts across the High Desert and IEHP agency partners, like Desert Mountain Children’s Center, which provides weekly teen support groups.  “Like all our on-site partners, YVYLA is committed to the health and wellness of IEHP’s members and the communities we serve,” said IEHP Community Resource Center Manager Delia Orosco. “YVYLA pours an immense amount of love, support and resources into our youths and we are so grateful and excited about our future collaborations.” Currently, IEHP’s Victorville Community Resource Center hosts five on-site partners: Goodwill, Housing Authority of County San Bernardino, TODEC Legal Center, Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County and YVYLA.  To learn more about YVYLA, visit yvyla-ie.org or stop by IEHP’s Victorville Community Resource Center at 12353 Mariposa Road, Suites C-2 & C-3, in Victorville.

AN AND IEHP HEALTH ACCESS. Date of Meeting: January 10, 2022 Time of Meeting: 9:00 AM Location of Meeting:  Inland Empire Health Plan Headquarters 10801 Sixth Street, Suite 120 Rancho Cucamonga, California 91730 This Notice shall confirm the REGULAR MEETING of the Joint Powers Agencies - INLAND EMPIRE HEALTH PLAN AND IEHP HEALTH ACCESS. If disability-related accommodations are needed to participate in this meeting, please contact Annette Taylor, Secretary to the IEHP Governing Board at (909) 296-3584 during regular business hours of IEHP (M-F 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) Agenda Copies of the Packet may be obtained here.

AN AND IEHP HEALTH ACCESS. Date of Meeting: December 13, 2021 Time of Meeting: 9:00 AM Location of Meeting:  Inland Empire Health Plan Headquarters 10801 Sixth Street, Suite 120 Rancho Cucamonga, California 91730 This Notice shall confirm the REGULAR MEETING of the Joint Powers Agencies - INLAND EMPIRE HEALTH PLAN AND IEHP HEALTH ACCESS. If disability-related accommodations are needed to participate in this meeting, please contact Annette Taylor, Secretary to the IEHP Governing Board at (909) 296-3584 during regular business hours of IEHP (M-F 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) Agenda  Copies of the Packet may be obtained here.

of Riverside and San Bernardino families that rely on Medi-Cal benefits. To avoid a public health crisis after the annual redetermination process of Medi-Cal resumed this week, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and Riverside County’s Department of Public Social Services and San Bernardino County’s Transitional Assistance Department are coordinating a first-of-its-kind partnership. California warns that approximately 2-3 million Medi-Cal enrollees statewide could lose or see interruptions in their health care coverage during the process. “The annual redetermination process is one of the biggest efforts taking place in the history of the Medi-Cal program,” said IEHP Chief Executive Officer Jarrod McNaughton. “The partnership with the two counties demonstrates our commitment to making sure Inland Empire residents have continued coverage.” All three entities are working in tandem to share data and coordinate strategic outreach efforts to ensure residents undergoing the Medi-Cal renewal process complete and submit requested information. “The county and partner agencies are ready to help residents impacted through the redetermination process to keep these essential benefits,” said Riverside County Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen. “We are reaching out to the 37,000 residents by mail and phone whose redeterminations are due in June. We’ve also alerted local hospitals, clinics, and health care providers. We will be reaching out to our impacted residents directly each month as their redeterminations come due.” Beginning this month, residents who receive Medi-Cal renewal packets in the mail must complete and send back the requested information included in the yellow renewal packets within 60 days or lose their Medi-Cal benefits. Members could start losing coverage as early as July 1, impacting current treatment of severe illnesses or chronic conditions and increasing out-of-pocket medical costs. “The County is committed to ensuring the health and well-being of those who depend on Medi-Cal benefits,” said San Bernardino County’s Transitional Assistance Department Director Gilbert Ramos. “With the end of the federal Public Health Emergency, collaborating with IEHP and Riverside County will help raise awareness of the actions beneficiaries must take to maintain their health care coverage and in many cases their quality of life.”   In December 2022, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023 (CAA) – which stipulated the continuous coverage provision that prohibited states from disenrolling members from Medicaid since 2020, due to the COVID-19 public health emergency would expire at the end of March 2023. To prepare, IEHP has hired an eligibility team fully dedicated to helping IEHP members complete the Medi-Cal redetermination process. Each month after receiving lists of members coming up for renewal and updated and verified contact information from both counties, the IEHP team will reach out to members via text and/or phone to alert them this important packet is coming in the mail. “The County’s partnership will help beneficiaries stay informed of these next crucial steps to complete the requested information within the 60 days and ensure continuity of health care coverage,” said San Bernardino County’s Chief Executive Officer Leonard X. Hernandez. Once the packet is received, IEHP will assist the member in completing and submitting the required information, whether by phone or with one-on-one assistance at a community resource center. The IEHP team will continue checking in until the member has submitted the information by mail, phone, online, or at a local county Medi-Cal office. Medi-Cal members may also receive assistance through the county Medi-Cal office. The good news is Medi-Cal members whose household income now exceeds eligibility requirements won’t fall through the system. These members will be automatically enrolled into Covered California, the state health insurance marketplace established by the Affordable Care Act. There, they may be eligible for a federally subsidized health plan. For more information or assistance, IEHP members may call the IEHP eligibility team at 1-888-860-1296. Non-IEHP members should visit benefitscal.com.

community resource centers for free fitness and wellness classes, health resources and more!  Air-conditioned and open to the public, IEHP’s community resource centers in Riverside, San Bernardino and Victorville are open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday. They follow all Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and have implemented rigorous cleaning and sanitation routines to safely welcome visitors.   The health plan will also schedule supportive community events, like COVID-19 vaccine clinics and a “Family Day,” to help families prepare for their children’s back-to-school needs.  “We understand how tough supporting a family can be and the importance of making sure your children have what they need to go out in the world and be successful. We have your back,” said Delia Orosco, manager of the IEHP Victorville Community Resource Center.  Family Day will take place at all three community resource centers on the following dates and times:  Saturday, July 9 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. 805 W. Second St., Suite C, San Bernardino, CA 92410 Saturday, July 16 9 a.m.- noon 3590 Tyler St., Suite 101, Riverside, CA 92503 Saturday July 29 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. 12353 Mariposa Road, Suites C-2 & C-3, Victorville, CA 92395 “We’re looking forward to providing families with children’s backpacks, school supplies and household items at our upcoming Family Day events in July,” said Maria Gallegos, manager of the centers in Riverside and San Bernardino. “It’s truly an honor to meet our Members and neighbors in this way, and we hope you’ll visit us this summer and join in on all the fun.” Throughout the summer, the centers’ course offerings will include food demonstrations, Zumba, yoga for seniors and people with disabilities, aerobic boxing, meditation and more. “Our community resource centers provide a safe space for healthy self-expression through recreational activities, mental stimulation and sense of community,” said IEHP Chief Executive Officer Jarrod McNaughton. “Our teams work incredibly hard to provide our visitors with a variety of classes, including benefit or resource navigation, to ensure they receive the services they need, when they need them.” To learn more about IEHP’s community resource centers, course offerings and events visit iehp.org or follow IEHP on Facebook!   

IEHP) will host a series of maternal health events at all three of their Community Resource Centers throughout the month of May.  The events will celebrate new moms and moms-to-be and will provide resources including postpartum care and access to community partner support including CalFresh. Medi-Cal enrollment support and guidance on how and when to access care will also be offered. In addition, events will focus on the behavioral health of pregnant and postpartum members. According to California Department of Public Health’s latest Maternal and Infant Health Assessment, 21% of pregnant and postpartum Californians report depressive symptoms which negatively impact the health and wellness outcomes of newborns and their parents. “We know these statistics heavily impact our members in the Inland Empire. Some studies have found troubling racial and ethnic disparities in receiving mental health care for postpartum depression,” said Ruth Villalpando Albarran, IEHP Licensed Behavioral Health Care Manager. “These events are designed to guide and assist members at every stage of their pregnancy and postpartum journey. Working together, we can help ensure optimal care and inspire vibrant health for them and their little ones.” The health plan hosted its first event on May 18 at its Riverside Community Resource Center. Additional events will be hosted at IEHP’s San Bernardino and Victorville Community Resource Centers at 805 West 2nd Street, suite C in San Bernardino on Wednesday, May 25 and at 12353 Mariposa Road, Suites C-2 & C-3 in Victorville on Thursday, May 26. Both events will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Members can register by visiting ConnectIE.org.  

e teaming up this season to connect residents to needed community health resources, including vaccine access. Kicking the partnership into gear, the health plan’s marketing team will collaborate with Ontario Fury to organize interactive social media interviews, promote vaccine clinics, and more. “This partnership is a dynamic step forward for promoting community health in our region,” said Cesar Armendariz, IEHP’s Community Health Senior Director. “As families begin to enjoy events and activities again, it’s important that vaccines and health information remain accessible and top of mind to keep everyone protected. This partnership allows both organizations to engage with our communities in a fun and exciting new way than ever before, and we look forward to addressing positive health messages to our IE community and avid soccer fans!” Ontario Fury’s season began December 15 in a home opener at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif., and will run through April 2022. During their season, the partnership will also honor First Responders by hosting a Heroes Night in the spring.  “Ontario Fury is excited to partner with such an amazing organization like IEHP,” said Jimmy Nordberg, Ontario Fury Head Coach. “With common goals and vision of our managing partner Mr. Jeffery Burum, to help the community and inspire others to be champions, it was a great fit.  IEHP will truly help the community and the Ontario Fury on our mission to be #ChampionshipBound!” To learn more about the Ontario Fury or view the season schedule, visit ontariofury.com.   

AN AND IEHP HEALTH ACCESS. Date of Meeting: November 8, 2021 Time of Meeting: 9:00 AM Location of Meeting:  Inland Empire Health Plan Headquarters 10801 Sixth Street, Suite 120 Rancho Cucamonga, California 91730 This Notice shall confirm the REGULAR MEETING of the Joint Powers Agencies - INLAND EMPIRE HEALTH PLAN AND IEHP HEALTH ACCESS. If disability-related accommodations are needed to participate in this meeting, please contact Annette Taylor, Secretary to the IEHP Governing Board at (909) 296-3584 during regular business hours of IEHP (M-F 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) Agenda Copies of the Packet may be obtained here.

rst social worker Dennis Kaney, who served residents of the Inland Empire for 16 years before his passing earlier this month. In speaking with Kaney earlier this year to learn more about his experience as an IEHP Team Member, he described his role as "doing what he loved most”—providing individualized, quality care and support to the region’s most vulnerable Members through his work as an IEHP Case Manager.  In January, Kaney met an IEHP Member who had sustained life-threatening injuries in a car accident, leaving the Member with paralysis in their limbs (known as a quadriplegia).   Kaney, who was wheelchair-bound himself, understood the need for multi-level support and wasted no time connecting the Member to resources to aid in the massive life transition. “I believe through my work at IEHP, I am able to do exactly what I am meant to do and use my personal experiences to help someone navigate their new beginning,” Kaney said. Through this connection, Kaney helped the Member discover new ways to manage daily life, including how to travel with a chair, how to write, talk, and how to best utilize available resources and tools. This ultimately provided the Member with hope and a reminder that their life was in no way over. “A heartfelt connection provides more care to the human spirit than we realize,” said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP’s Chief Executive Officer. “As we honor Dennis and observe Social Work Month, we celebrate the spirit of all social workers who bring courage and empathy to a world that desperately needs their light and love.”  

ible for full-scope Medi-Cal benefits, regardless of their immigration status. Under California Assembly Bill 133, health plans like Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) are now able to provide these adults access to services like preventive healthcare, behavioral health services, vision care and more. In 2019, the state made its first historic move to provide full-scope Medi-Cal services to all California residents 0-26 years old. AB 133 is now the state’s boldest move toward health equity and provides the most inclusive health care policy for low-income persons in the nation. “Everyone deserves access to health and wellness services they can trust,” said Dr. Takashi Wada, IEHP Chief Medical Officer. “We’ve seen the impacts of community health firsthand over the last two years. When more residents have access to coordinated care and preventive services, health and wellness improves, and communities thrive. All communities, regardless of immigration status, deserve the opportunity to achieve vibrant health.”  IEHP understands the fears associated with applying for Medi-Cal as an undocumented resident and is making every effort to connect residents to trusted information, resources and support to aid in making the best decision for them. These efforts include community events, partnerships with legal organizations like TODEC and more.  “IEHP is eager to do all we can to support these older adults so that they may receive the care and benefits they need to live fruitful lives as residents of the Inland Empire,” said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP Chief Executive Officer. For more information and to enroll into Medi-Cal, residents can call IEHP’s Enrollment Advisors at 1-866-294-4347 (1-800-720-4347 TTY) or visit iehp.org.

tients in Barstow to primary care physicians, needed social services, and more.  "Through our collaboration with Barstow Community Hospital, we realized that there was an additional benefit to our members through post-discharge calls from IEHP’s Health Services and Community Health teams." said Sylvia Lozano, IEHP's Vice President of Hospital Relations. "A follow-up telephone call upon discharge is an essential activity to improve the transition from hospitalization to their return home," said Lozano. "This partnership with Barstow Community Hospital shows IEHP's unwavering commitment to our Members and Providers and demonstrates how the power of collaboration and dreaming of better ways to deliver care and services can ultimately lead to optimal care and vibrant health for our communities." IEHP Health Navigators provide referrals to other health plan services based on needs expressed during the calls, including organizing doctor’s appointments for members.  The pilot program also connects both hospital and health plan teams for weekly huddles to share insights, data trends, and discuss additional points of partnership to meet the needs of both organizations and the populations they serve.  "Our post-discharge call from trained hospital staff allows the patient's questions and misunderstandings, including discrepancies in the discharge plan, to be identified and addressed, as well as any concerns from caregivers or family members,” Margaret Ventura, Case Management Director for Barstow Community Hospital. "Additional follow-up calls post-discharge from IEHP to their members will only further benefit their members by improving the continuum of care for patients," added Ventura. Since the pilot program began in early October, more than 30 IEHP Members have been supported. While Member needs vary, IEHP's Health Navigators have reported cases where the need for resources and social support has been critical. "This pilot began with a compassionate team who saw an unmet need and found an innovative way to solve it," said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP Chief Executive Officer. "We are developing this pilot to further demonstrate our commitment to the optimal care and vibrant health of our communities."   

ional ranking for provider satisfaction. Administered in July 2022 to the health plan’s provider network by mail and email through a third party vendor, the annual survey measures provider satisfaction with the services and support received directly from IEHP. The survey included responses from the health plan’s primary care physicians, specialists and behavioral health providers. The survey focused on key drivers of provider satisfaction, including: overall satisfaction with IEHP’s call center service, access to knowledgeable staff, and procedures for obtaining pre-certification/referral/authorization information. “Every response we receive from our providers directly impacts our collaborative and continued work forward,” said Susie White, IEHP’s chief operating officer. “We truly value our providers’ feedback as it help us identify areas to better serve and improve, so they can offer the best care possible with the confidence and support they need.” Consistent with 2021’s survey results, 98.2% of providers shared they would recommend IEHP to other physician practices. Broken down by category, IEHP ranked within the 99th percentile for pharmacy and call center support and saw great improvements in the telehealth category of the survey. In addition to outlining improvements, the survey also highlighted new opportunities for growth. “Like our providers, we never want to stay stagnant in our service quality,” said White. “Together, we’ve identified new areas to focus on, like provider relations and timely access to support, and look forward to implementing new processes, strategies and touchpoints to meet providers where they are.”

xperiencing loneliness, anxiety or depression. The partnership connects 70,000 Members to support services for mental health screenings.   The program began in March and will run through the fall of 2022. Members who elected to participate were invited to download the Pyx App on their smart phones or tablets, which immediately connects to Pyx-ir, an interactive robot. Pyx-ir will regularly converse, ask wellness questions and connect Members to IEHP services and call centers, depending on need. The program’s services rolled out to English and Spanish speaking Members who receive both Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits (Cal MediConnect Members), as well as Medi-Cal Members who are seniors with a disability or have been identified as unable to leave their homes and are at a greater risk for loneliness.   “Isolation and stay-at-home orders have tremendously impacted these populations in the last two years,” said Anna Edwards, IEHP’s Care Management Clinical Director. “Our partnership with Pyx Health will extend care beyond the health plan’s usual business hours and truly meet the Members where they are.” For continuity of care, Pyx Health will provide the health plan with comprehensive reports based on Member screenings to connect Members with additional resources at the plan level. If needed, Members will also have the option to connect with Pyx Health’s Compassionate Call Center representatives who will be able to route information and reports to IEHP’s Care Management Team.  “In addition to usual health plan services, we believe our partnership with Pyx Health will provide Members a unique aspect of personalized care,” said Dr. Takashi Wada, IEHP’s Chief Medical Officer. “We’re eager to learn how this pilot program and type of service can engage Members in their own health and how it will positively impact their overall wellness.”   

irtual tour video of the health plan’s Victorville Community Resource Center.  “Everyone who walks through our door is family,” said Delia Orosco, IEHP’s Victorville Community Resource Center manager. “Regardless if you’re an IEHP Member or not, your care and your health matter to us, and we can’t wait to welcome you into our centers soon!” With locations also in Riverside and San Bernardino, Calif., the virtual tour highlights some of the centers’ most popular offerings, including free fitness classes, cooking demonstrations and computer labs.  “The centers conduct education classes on a variety of health and wellness topics,” shared Carmen Ramirez, IEHP’s Community Behavioral Health and Social Supports manager, as she further explained the range of free course topics, from nutrition, diabetes control, managing asthma and stress to general benefit information for Members.  The tour also features an in-depth look at cooking demonstrations and a peek into the computer labs, which can be used for job searches, various educational courses and to further access to no-cost resources like legal support and housing.  “There are people here who will help with resumes, job searches, interviews and placement. And the best part is, it won’t cost anything,” said IEHP’s Health Educator Allita Watkins.  For locations, class schedules and more information about IEHP’s Community Resource Center, visit iehp.org.