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ted States are living with some form of behavioral health issue.  In fact, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 50 percent of lifetime mental health illnesses begin by age 14. Yet unlike diabetes or cancer, most people don’t feel comfortable talking about their behavioral health concerns with their Doctor.  Dr. Gayani DeSilva is hopeful that will change sooner rather than later.  “Physical health and mental health affect the whole person, so it’s important that both are considered when we look at how to improve quality and awareness,” said Dr. DeSilva, a psychiatrist and the medical director of Behavioral Health at IEHP.  Before joining the health plan in 2019, Dr. DeSilva treated IEHP Members in a variety of settings and even then she realized IEHP was different in terms of its coordination of behavioral health care. She saw that IEHP patients were more educated about how to access their services and were more confident that they would get the treatment they needed.  Now, as an IEHP Team Member, Dr. DeSilva knows why.  “The team is very conscientious and aware of what our Members need. We don’t just want to meet the expectations of our Members, but exceed them,” she said. Dr. DeSilva said her role as medical director isn’t just to provide clinical leadership for the department. She also wants to facilitate the ongoing integration between Utilization Management, Behavioral Health and Care Coordination even more. Removing barriers and improving access to care is another top priority, she said. That’s the goal behind a new program that will offer home-based behavioral health services to IEHP Members who are unable to go outside of their house for treatment.  “We’re always thinking of how to do things better in order to meet the needs of our Members,” she said.   

ct training to work at IEHP? “It’s all about the mission,” said Scott Gary, a lead instructional designer in Learning & Development who served 10 years in the Army. “That’s what’s most important. That’s what motivates you.” A shared IEHP mission enables Team Members to focus on a common goal and work toward achieving it together. It also emphasizes collaboration rather than competition – unlike other corporate workplaces. Scott says that spirit of collaboration also fosters true employee engagement. It’s one of the main reasons why he enjoys works at IEHP. “The culture here is really unique,” Scott said. “The emphasis on a work-life balance shows that our leaders care about our well-being and that makes you feel good about what you do here. You feel valued.” High engagement is an important driver of quality as well, he added.  If a quality issue or concern is raised, the immediate question that comes after that is, “How can we do better?” He credits that responsiveness and dedication to a supportive and engaged team culture. “In my work with other departments, I see firsthand how committed Team Members are to improving quality and to their best,” Gary said. “It’s because they care.”

ms available to help you manage your condition and take control of your health. IEHP Family Asthma Program To control your asthma, you need a good plan to manage your symptoms. Knowing your triggers, using your peak flow meter regularly, and using an Asthma Action Plan are great steps towards better asthma management. To learn more checkout our FREE Family Asthma Classes! The IEHP Family Asthma Program offers free asthma education and self-management strategies to IEHP Members and community members to better manage their asthma. The program consists of an interactive Family Asthma Class.  The Family Asthma Class is held at least twice a month at different community sites throughout San Bernardino and Riverside County. Family Asthma Class Format: Group Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes Ages: Any age if diagnosed with asthma (anyone under 18 years must be accompanied by parent or guardian) What do you get from our Family Asthma Classes? You will learn how to use asthma self-management tools such as a spacer, peak flow meter, and an Asthma Action Plan. Learn how to identify, avoid and reduce asthma triggers in your environment. Asthma Classes offer social support and an opportunity to share and learn from the experiences of others. Call IEHP Health Education Department at 1-866-224-IEHP (4347) or 1-800-718-4347 for TTY users to find a class near you.  Health Talk Health Talk is where we share ways to keep you feeling well. Whether you're interested in staying healthy or want to learn how to manage a health condition, we’ve got something for you. We share resources, facts and support your doctor’s advice – all in a way that’s friendly and easy to follow. So, join us on Health Talk, a podcast presented by IEHP, your Inland Empire Health Plan. Health Talk: Part 1: What is asthma, asthma symptoms and asthma attack? Health Talk - Part 2: Identifying Asthma Triggers Health Talk Part 3: Asthma Medicines and Management Strategies  

thy lives.  Although having diabetes can put you at risk for serious health problems, there is a lot you can do to stay well and delay or prevent any complications. The Diabetes Self-Management Workshop is for people with type 2 diabetes and their relatives or that need information on diabetes self-management.  Diabetes Self-Management Workshop Format: Group Duration: 6 weeks (2 hours per workshop) Ages: Any age if diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by parent or guardian) Participants have the opportunity to ask questions, offer comments, and share their experiences and ideas about managing and controlling diabetes. We will have weekly action plans to help you, your friends and your family learn and practice self-management skills. In this workshop participants will learn about: Diabetes and health risks How to manage diabetes Healthy lifestyle changes Meal planning Diabetes medicines This workshop is offered in Riverside and San Bernardino.  Call IEHP Health Education Department at 1-866-224-IEHP (4347) or 1-800-718-4347 for TTY users to sign up! Additional Resources By clicking on the links below, you will be leaving the IEHP site. Loma Linda Diabetes Treatment Center IEHP Members can call 909-558-3022 to make an appointment. American Diabetes Association  Learn more about diabetes, meal planning, and eating out. This website also gives you free recipes. www.diabetes.org   Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Diabetes Home Diabetes and Your Feet Learn how to protect your feet and kee them healthy for an active life. National Diabetes Education Program  Learn how you can avoid problems related to diabetes. You can select topics you want to learn more. www.ndep.nih.gov   You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 or later to view the PDF files. Download Adobe Acrobat Reader.  

ople with disabilities have extraordinary missions, dedicated staff, and valuable resources — but they can only provide some of the support an individual needs. For seniors and people with disabilities, navigating services and resources from different organizations across a widespread geographic area can be a challenge and often overwhelming. They often miss the opportunity to receive the full-scope of services from the resources available in their area. Creating the Inland Empire Disabilities Collaborative (IEDC) helped decrease the problem of fragmented resources. By joining forces, organizations who serve seniors and people with disabilities have developed a strong relationship with each other and the community they serve. IEDC Mission To promote equal opportunity, universal access, and full participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of life. About the IEDC Launched as a networking tool in February of 2006, the IEDC currently brings together over 540 members from regional organizations. This joint effort has allowed the IEDC to promote equal opportunity and universal access for seniors and people with disabilities.  Events The IEDC hosts monthly meetings at IEHP and partners to host events that benefit the community at large. To become a member of the IEDC or attend an event visit www.iedisabilities.org

esources: IEHP Transgender-Gender Health Center of Excellence Program Guidelines (PDF) IEHP Gender Health Brochure (PDF) Adult (PDF) (For IEHP Members 18+) Child (PDF) (For Parents and Children under 18) IEHP Social Health Survey (PDF) Questionnaire - Providers for Transgender Members (PDF) You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 or later to view the PDF files. You can download a free copy by clicking here.

ensure you can continue to get the care you need, some* IEHP Doctors (including Behavioral Health) offer telehealth visits.  It’s easy to set up. Just call or message your Doctor’s office to see if telehealth is offered and schedule your visit. Why set up a telehealth visit? Saves you a trip to the Doctor’s office Easy to access using a phone or computer Helps keep you safe and secure (and limits the spread of COVID-19) More reasons to use telehealth: Pay $0. There is no copay. Telehealth is part of your health benefit. Convenient. A video visit can be done from anywhere with internet access. You don’t need to take time off from work, take a bus, or hire a sitter for the kids. What is needed: For a telephone visit - landline or mobile phone Video visit - Computer, tablet or smartphone with camera, speaker and a microphone, and internet access * Not all IEHP Doctors provide telehealth visits. Ask your Doctor’s office if they offer these services. Your Doctor will decide if it is the right choice for your health care needs.

hood obesity and unhealthy eating habits. The campaign features appearances by Super Nutricia at numerous IEHP supported community events, where children, young adults and families can meet her in person and receive free comic books, posters, brochures and other nutrition education materials.  Super Nutricia has become well known throughout the Inland Empire and is frequently requested to help support healthy eating initiatives for children and young teens. Super Nutricia Video Super Nutricia Comic Book (PDF)

afety. Rad Rider Bicycle Safety Program, targets children ages of 5 to 14. Rad Rider makes appearances at a variety of community events, including school events, health fairs and other health-related activities. He has connected with thousands of children throughout the years, autographing posters, comic books, and bike helmets. Rad Rider Video Rad Rider Comic Book (PDF)

lts, ages 5-16, about the health-related dangers of smoking and tobacco usage. Eradicator makes appearances at a variety of community events, including school events, health fairs and other health-related activities. He has connected with thousands of children and young adults throughout the years, autographing posters and comic books. Eradicator Video Eradicator Comic Book (PDF)

t the compliance culture at IEHP and the role that each Team Member, including management, Chief Officers and the Governing Board, plays in building and preserving that culture. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (PDF)

A resource for health providers, IPAs and others interested in the Americans with Disabilities Act, California law as it related to accessibility and Universal Design. In partnership with our Provider Network, IEHP strives to break down barriers to medical care and promote health and wellness for Members with disabilities. With accessibility issues often cited as an obstacle to care, we publish this site to help all stakeholders in the health care system understand the barriers and in some cases the solutions. We invite you to browse these topics: Information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility of Doctor's offices, clinics, and other health care providers is essential in providing medical care to people with Disabilities. Find out more by following the link to the ADA's Access Guide (PDF). The Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and sets national standards for accessibility. Each page in this section gives you a summary of ADA related documents and a link to the actual Federal resource.  By clicking on this link, you will be leaving the IEHP website. View the full text of the law at the ADA Website.  Enforcement Lawsuits for ADA Violations U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) 1994 Status reports, briefs, and settlement information will help you stay up-to-date on precedent-setting ADA litigation. Unsuccessful negotiations or mediation may lead to federal lawsuits. Courts can order compensatory damages, back pay, or civil penalties up to $55,000 for the first violation and $110,000 for any subsequent one.  Read more about DOJ Litigation Alternative to Litigation U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Mediation Program Established: 1994 Mediation, which is confidential and voluntary, can resolve some ADA disputes quickly and satisfactorily – without the expense and delay of formal investigation and litigation.  Read more about DOJ Mediation Facts and Information Diagnosing & Treating Members with Auditory Disability Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Hospital Settings U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Disability Rights Section, Civil Rights Division Published 2003 Interactive doctor-patient discussions with individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may require an interpreter to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. DOJ’s brief outlines the types of interpreter services including sign language, oral interpretation, cued speech, and Computer Assisted Real-time Transcription (CART). Read the Full Article: HTM PDF Phone Calls & Auditory/Speech Disabilities Phone Calls & Auditory/Speech Disabilities - Technology Breaks Communication Barriers Created by IEHP, 2006 Learn about FREE options for effective telephone communication with individuals who have auditory and/or speech disabilities: National Telecommunication Relay Service (TRS) – two-way translation between individuals using a TTY and a standard telephone Speech-to-Speech (STS) Relay Service – assistance for individuals with speech disabilities by repeating their message verbatim. Read the Full Article  Fact Sheet - PDF Fact Sheet - TXT Dispelling ADA Myths Just the Facts on the ADA Adapted from 1995 DOJ fact sheet IEHP, 2006 Get the facts on common ADA misconceptions. ADA Myths & Facts  PDF Text Accessibility Pays Off at Tax Time Tax Incentives for ADA Compliance Take advantage tax incentives that help eligible businesses comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  The Federal and California state governments offer Tax Credits and/or Deductions for improving accessibility and/or employing persons with disabilities. Attorney General’s ADA Tax Incentives Packet Your practice/health care facility may be eligible for tax credits and/or deductions to help offset the costs of improving accessibility for patients and employees with disabilities. The Attorney General’s packet includes a fact sheet and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) form and instructions. Download IEHP's Fact Sheet PDF Text  Download the Attorney General's information packet: Website Legal Obligations Standards for Accessible Design ADA Accessibility Guidelines U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) 1991 The ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) include stringent criteria for health care Providers as well as additional requirements based on building use (special application 6 – Medical Care Facilities). The Standards for Accessible Design apply to the architecture and construction of new buildings/facilities as well as alterations to existing structures. Download the Standards Standards - PDF Standards - HTM Download Special Application 6 (Health Care Facilities) Access to Medical Care for Individuals with Mobility Disabilities (PDF) Access to Medical Care for Individuals with Mobility Disabilities (HTM) Removing Existing Barriers Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal Adaptive Environments Center, Inc. and Barrier Free Environments, Inc. 1995 Identify accessibility problems and solutions for eliminating physical/architectural and communication barriers. Use this informal checklist as a guide to meet your obligations under the ADA (for existing facilities only, not new construction or alterations). Download the checklist for readily achievable barrier removal Checklist - PDF Checklist - HTM ADA Regulations for Health Care Providers Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) 1991 Federal regulations for accessibility at Health care facilities include standards for the architecture of buildings, alterations, and new construction (ADA, Title III).  DOJ article - PDF DOJ article - HTM Basic ADA Requirements for Health Care Providers ADA Title III Highlights U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Disability Rights Section, Civil Rights Division Published 1990 This functional outline of the ADA’s Title III (section covering health care providers) helps you become familiar with key requirements that impact you and your patients. DOJ’s overview provides details in bullet format for quick reference. See the Full DOJ Article Practical Guidance for ADA Compliance Title III Technical Assistance Manual  U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) 1993 and 1994 This manual (with supplement) outlines ADA requirements for businesses to ensure access to goods, services, and facilities. The reader-friendly format offers: Lay terms and practical examples (limited legalese) Focused, systematic description of requirements Questions/answers and illustrations  Read the full Manual Read the Supplement Technical Assistance DOJ ADA Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act  The official ADA website of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) offers the most up-to-date information and practical guidance on design, construction, and operation:  Regulations and standards impacting Providers and Members  Accessibility and reasonable accommodations guidelines  Solutions for ensuring access within your budget  Tax credits and incentives  Technical assistance and materials/publications Visit DOJ's ADA Homepage Avoid Costly Building Mistakes Common ADA Errors and Omissions in New Construction and Alterations  U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Disability Rights Section, Civil Rights Division Published 1997 Incorporating ADA Standards into initial building/alteration plans helps ensure patient safety as well as cost-effectiveness. Review some of the most common accessibility errors/omissions identified through DOJ’s ongoing enforcement efforts. Following each error/omission, you’ll find an explanation of its significance and reference to the appropriate requirement under the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.   Online ADA Course Reaching Out to Customers with Disabilities U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) with Representatives of Business and Disability Communities 2005 Learn about ADA compliance in an online course with 10 short lessons. Policies, Practices, and Procedures Communicating with Customers Who Have Disabilities New Buildings, Additions, and Remodeling Removing Barriers in Buildings That Are Not Being Remodeled Providing Access When Removing Barriers Is Not Readily Achievable Maintaining Accessibility Transporting Customers ADA Compliance Costs and Tax Incentives Enforcement of the ADA Information Sources Take the ADA online course Pacific Region ADA Technical Assistance Disability Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC) Region IX  National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research U.S. Department of Education 1995 Get information on your compliance obligations, problem-solving assistance, and referrals from ADA experts – without the high cost of a consultant. The 10 regional ADA & IT Technical Assistance Centers serve strictly as educational entities to help you understand your rights and responsibilities and have no enforcement or advocacy responsibilities. Federal Region IX, Pacific, serves: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific Basin. Visit Pacific ADA Center Visit DBTAC Homepage Visit NIDRR Community Based Adult Services (CBAS) Reminder: Community-Based Adult Center (PDF) SPD Awareness Training  By clicking on these links, you may be leaving the IEHP website. By making your facilities accessible you convey a sense of welcome for people with disabilities. Most of all, you comply with the requirements set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. This is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities on the basis of their disability in programs and services that receive federal financial assistance. Please see the resources below for more detailed information. Office Accessibility How to Make Your Medical Office More Accessible (PDF) Guidebook: How to Safely Transfer Patients with Disabilities to an Exam Table (PDF) Video #1: How to Safely Transfer Patients with Disabilities to an Exam Table Video #2: Using an Accessible Scale to Weigh Patients with Disabilities Accessibility Checklist (PDF) Community Resources Community Resources Guide (PDF) Disability Competency and Sensitive Training Disability Etiquette Guide (PDF) You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 or later to view the PDF files. You can download a free copy by clicking here.

alth information. All the links will open in a new window and you will leave the IEHP website. Medical Links Medscape: free medical news, journal articles, and more. Yahoo! Health: medical dictionary, disease symptoms, and treatments. KidsHealth: animations, games, and articles for parents, teens, and kids. First 5 San Bernardino: statewide initiative to improve the early development of children. First 5 Riverside: statewide initiative to improve the early development of children. Text4Baby: get FREE messages each week on your cell phone to help you through your pregnancy and your baby's first year. Government Links San Bernardino County Department of Public Health: get information on WIC, child car seat safety and more. Riverside County Department of Public Health: get information on injury prevention, WIC, HIV, family health and more. PubMed: life science journals from the United States National Library of Medicine. Healthy Finder: 1600 health-related topics. NCQA (National Committee for Quality Assurance): reports on the quality of care delivered by managed care plans. NIH (National Institutes of Health): get health information, clinical trials, research, and more. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): get information on healthy living, disease, Zika virus, emergencies, workplace safety, and environmental health. Quality of Care Report Card: get quality ratings of health plans. California Department of Managed Health Care  California Department of Health Care Services  

ms can start in our mouths, that's why Medi-Cal dental coverage is so vital to California residents. Medi-Cal is the name for the California Medi-Cal Assistance Program, the regions Medicaid program. Medi-Cal provides health and medical dental insurance coverage for qualified families and individuals in California. Does Medi-Cal Cover Dental? Yes, Medi-Cal covers a wide range of dental services through their Medi-Cal Dental Program. This benefit is included with your Medi-Cal coverage at little to no cost to you. To access Medi-Cal's dental services, you can visit a Medi-Cal dental provider. They will let you know what the best form of treatment is under your Medi-Cal dental coverage. If you have any questions or need help finding a Medi-Cal dental provider, call the Medi-Cal Dental Customer Service Line at 1-800-322-6384, or visit www.smilecalifornia.org. What Does Medi-Cal Cover for Dental? Medi-Cal dental coverage includes the following: Diagnostic and preventive dental hygiene (e.g., examinations, x-rays, and teeth cleanings) Emergency services for pain control Tooth extractions Fillings Root canal treatments (anterior/posterior) Crowns (prefabricated/laboratory) Scaling and root planing Periodontal maintenance Complete and partial dentures; and Orthodontics for kids who qualify Does Medi-Cal cover root canals? Yes, Medi-Cal dental will cover both anterior and posterior root canals. Does Medi-Cal cover braces? Orthodontics are only covered for kids who qualify for this type of specialist treatment under Medi-Cal's dental services. Why You Need Dental Insurance It is a fact that your mouth can give a clear sign of your overall health. This is because dental health and hygiene link to other areas of the body, including the heart. It is vital to visit the dentist on a regular basis, to make sure your oral health is not causing you any problems. That said, dental work can be costly. Even more costly as we get older, and our teeth and gums start to weaken. Medi-Cal dental helps all Medi-Cal members save money on preventative and restorative dental work. Here are some reasons why dental health insurance is so important: Insurance pays for expensive dental care. For some people, dental care means two visits a year for checkups and teeth cleaning. For others, it means thousands of dollars in restorative surgery bills. Whether you brush your teeth three times a day or not, dental problems can come without notice. To prevent paying expensive dental bills apply for Medi-Cal coverage and visit a Medi-Cal registered dentist. Medi-Cal will pay some or all of the costs of your dental procedures. Keep great oral health and hygiene. The best way to save money on dental health bills (besides applying for Medi-Cal coverage) is to keep up to date on the overall health of your mouth. Regular dental checkups will help to make sure that your oral health is checked. Medi-Cal dental will cover *routine checkups. Give your kids a head start. According to the Pew Center on the States, about 20% of a child's healthcare expenses come from dental costs. Tooth decay is one of the most common and preventable childhood diseases. It's five times more common than asthma and seven times more prevalent than fever in U.S kids. Twenty percent of kids 0-5 do not get yearly dental checkups. Kids with oral health problems have a hard time learning in school. The U.S Department of Health and Human Services estimates that kids lose over 51 million school hours per year due to dental issues. How to Apply for Medi-Cal Dental Coverage If you have Medi-Cal, you will be able to use your dental benefits at any Medi-Cal Dental provider in California. All you need to do is make an appointment and show your Medi-Cal card when you visit the dentist. To apply to Medi-Cal, call our professional Enrollment Advisors at (866) 294-4347, Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm. TTY users should call (800) 720-4347. You can also call Health Care Options at 1-800-430-4263 or visit www.healthcareoptions.dhcs.ca.gov. TTY users should call 1-800-430-7077. At IEHP, we are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding Medi-Cal dental coverage. We can also help you apply for Medi-Cal online.  *For more information on guidelines and coverage for Medi-Cal Dental age groups, please visit the covered services section on the Smile California website.  

members meet the guidelines to renew your Medi-Cal insurance program. You can renew your Medi-Cal online. You must fill out a Medi-Cal renewal form. This step is known as Medi-Cal redetermination. Be sure to look over your health plan during the Medi-Cal renewal process. This may help you get extra aid from the state of California. If your situation changed, the government could help you to lower your monthly health insurance costs. The amount of aid depends on where you live, your family income, and the number of people in your household. How to Check Medi-Cal Status Once your Medi-Cal is approved, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will send you a Benefits Identification Card (BIC) in the mail. If you do not get your BIC in the mail, or a letter from DHSC asking for more information, call or visit your local Social Services Office to ask for status. You can also check your Medi-Cal status on the Covered California website. How to Check if My Medi-Cal is Active Visit the Social Services agency in person In Riverside County visit the Riverside County Department of Public Services for a local office. If you live in San Bernardino County visit the Transition Assistance Department – San Bernardino to find a local office. Call Medi-Cal by phone Before you renew your Medi-Cal, check the status of your Medi-Cal by calling the Medi-Cal hotline at (800) 541-5555. If you don’t have your Benefits Identification Card, the automated system will ask for the last four numbers of your Social Security number and the month and year of your birth. You can also call your local county office. Send a request by mail To check the status of your Medi-Cal by mail send a letter to: Medi-Cal Eligibility Division, P.O. Box 997417, MS 4607, Sacramento, CA 95899-7417 How to Renew Medi-Cal As a Medi-Cal member, you must renew your Medi-Cal each year to keep your health care benefits. For most members Medi-Cal is automatically renewed. If your county cannot confirm all your information to automate the renewal, a packet will be mailed to you. All forms inside this packet must be filled out and returned. As a Medi-Cal member, you can return this information over the phone, by mail, or by fax. You can also return your packet to your local Social Services office. If you do not complete this renewal process your Medi-Cal benefits can be canceled. Medi-Cal Redetermination Form As stated above, Medi-Cal must be renewed each year. The county runs a review to find out if people or households still can get Medi-Cal. This review is known as annual redetermination. If you’ve changed jobs, had a pay rise, lost your job, or the number of people living in your house has changed, it may or may not help you get Medi-Cal. The purpose of an annual redetermination is for the state to get as much data from you to find out what aid you should be able to get. Or what amount, if any, you should pay for Medi-Cal. The Medi-Cal office will try to renew your households’ Medi-Cal automatically. But, if your personal data cannot be verified, your Medi-Cal redetermination package will come in the mail. Once the packet comes, you need to fill out all the data needed and send the forms back ASAP. This helps avoid any delay in Medi-Cal renewal and keeps you covered in case of an emergency. What Happens After I Return My Form? The county will send you a letter letting you know if you still qualify for Medi-Cal coverage. How long do I have before I get disenrolled from Medi-Cal? If you do not renew your Medi-Cal on time, you only have 90 days after your Medi-Cal benefits expire to file for renewal. After 90 days, you will have to submit a brand new Medi-Cal application. To apply for Medi-Cal or discuss your Medi-Cal renewal, call our IEHP Enrollment Advisors at (866) 294-4347, Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm. TTY users should call (800) 720-4347. *Due to the COVID-19 health crisis, Riverside and San Bernardino County continue to delay the processing of Medi-Cal annual redeterminations.

ativity and courage to improve health & well-being. Bringing focus and accountability to our work. Never wavering in our commitment to our Members, Providers, Partners, and each other.

Answers What can happen if I take a few medicines at the same time? When you take two or more medicines, they will likely mix well. On certain occasions, you might have what’s called a “drug-to-drug interaction.” This means that some medicines you take together may cause an adverse reaction in your body. For example, a “drug-to-drug” interaction could: make your medicines not work as well (weaken them) make one or more of the medicines too strong and cause unwanted side effects, which could be deadly TIP: Talk to your Pharmacist about all medicines you take and ask if they mix well together. What are some reasons that I might have a harmful effect from taking one or more medicines at the same time? These reasons might include: dose may be too high interaction with other drugs Note: Everyone can react differently – based on age, weight, gender, etc. TIP: To avoid problems when taking two or more medicines together, tell your health care Provider and Pharmacist about all the medicines (and other remedies) you are taking.    How do I know if I’m taking the right medicine – at the right dose, at the right time to control my symptoms? Any medicine taken the wrong way might put your health at risk.  A drug maker has to show research data to the FDA to get each medicine approved. This research could be about: how the medicine works why it is safe to take (or not) what dose works best with the fewest side effects Could a medicine taken at a high dose be harmful? Yes. That is why your Pharmacist checks your medicines to make sure you are on the right dose. Don’t forget to ask your Doctor or Pharmacist any questions about your medicine.  Taking higher than recommended doses of certain over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines – including abuse or misuse of the medicines – can cause serious health problems. It could even lead to death. Also, a dose that is safe for you may not be safe for someone else.     Who most often needs to have their medicine dose changed and why? Certain people need to have their dose changed, so that they don’t take too much (called “overdosing”). These include the elderly, children, and women who are pregnant or mothers who are breastfeeding, and people with chronic health conditions.  Always ask your Pharmacist if the medicines are safe for you to take at the prescribed doses. Don’t share your medicines with friends or family.    What are “duplicate drug therapies”? Why do I need to know about this? You might have different Doctors who have prescribed medicines that work in the same way for you. When medicines have similar active ingredients, they could be:  the same medicine with different names (for example, one could have a brand name and the other might have a generic name), or  two medicines of similar nature TIP: Be cautious about taking the same medicine twice – as you could have two bottles of the same medicine! TIP: It’s important for you to keep a full list of each medicine, vitamin and herbal remedy you are taking. Please show this list to your Pharmacist or your Doctor. The list helps your health care Provider check for any unwanted effects between drugs and check that the two or more medicines work well for you or not. What happens if my medicine is recalled? A recall may be issued if a medication is: A health hazard: If there is some health risk associated with the medication.  Mislabeled or packaged poorly: If there is a problem with the dosing tool provided with the drug.  Poorly manufactured: If there are defects related to poor quality, impurities, and incorrectly potency of the drug from the manufacturer.  Please click here to view an up-to-date list of drug recall notifications. Why are some medicines “high risk” for the elderly?  Some medicines can be too strong for a certain group of people and are considered “high risk” for them. This special group may include older people, pregnant women or mothers who are breastfeeding, children, and people with other medical conditions affecting their kidney or liver. For example, certain medicines prescribed for memory issues may have a side-effect that causes dizziness in some seniors who are at “high risk” for falling. In that case, an alternative medicine (or no medicine) for this condition would be better.   Where can I find details about medicines that might be harmful for older people? If you are over 65 years old, ask your Doctor or Pharmacist if the medicines you are taking may not be right for you.  Please see the short list below of the most common medicines prescribed that may be harmful for older people.  Older adults (age 65+): Check with your Doctor first before taking these medicines: Medicine or Medicine Class   Potential Risks Sliding scale insulin May make your blood sugar level too low – without improving the condition Glyburide  May cause a long period of excessively low blood sugar Muscle relaxants  May be poorly tolerated Barbiturates May increase risk of dependence and overdose Benzodiazepines (alprazolam, temazepam, lorazepam) May increase risk of falls and fractures To learn more, visit: https://www.pharmacytoday.org/article/S1042-0991(19)31235-6/fulltext Pharmacy Benefits: Medi-Cal Members IEHP Dual Choice Cal MediConnect Members