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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.  

ices (DHCS) for their innovative Medi-Cal Primary Care Physician Auto-Assignment Redesign. On an annual basis, DHCS’s Innovation Award recognizes Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plans (MCPs) that have excelled in improving the quality of health care for the millions of beneficiaries receiving Medi-Cal services through managed care.  This marks the fifth time IEHP has been honored by DHCS—more times than any other health plan in California. Prior recognitions for its forward-thinking efforts include utilizing location intelligence to reach Members (2020), creating the IEHP Housing Initiative (2018), developing Behavioral Health Integration Complex Care Initiative (2017), and organizing the Transitional Care Project (2015). “We are honored to be recognized for our efforts and unwavering commitment to serving our Members, Providers and communities,” said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP Chief Executive Officer. “These efforts support the work we are doing as we recommit to our Mission to heal and inspire the human spirit.” This year’s recognition shines light on IEHP’s PCP auto-assignment process, which focuses on directing health plan Members to Providers with high quality scores, ensuring Members receive optimal care and incentivizing Providers’ great work. To do so, IEHP created an assignment algorithm incorporating over a dozen weighted provider attributes related to their quality scores.     “Innovation allows us to see beyond our present circumstances and barriers and expand our thinking to what is possible for our Members and Providers,” added McNaughton. “In every connection, we have the ability to inspire and empower them to achieve their fullest potential.”

it Medicare-Medicaid plan in the country, today announced that Angelica Baltazar, MSW, has been named as president of the newly created IEHP Foundation. The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of IEHP and is uniquely positioned to increase philanthropy and generosity in the region, helping to fill the void for those most vulnerable and keeping dollars in the community.  The Foundation’s work is centered around achieving what IEHP calls Vibrant Health for the Inland Empire. Vibrant Health means that IEHP’s Members and the residents of the Inland Empire will have access to a better, more joyful life through programs that address the root causes of illness, health equity, and the core needs of the community.  Baltazar has more than 20 years of experience in the public health and human services sectors. She joins IEHP from San Antonio Regional Hospital where she most recently served as the Executive Lead for Health Equity and the Executive Director of the Lewis-San Antonio Healthy Communities Institute.  Baltazar holds a bachelor’s in social work from Cal Poly Pomona and master’s in policy planning and administration from Loma Linda University. She is a community advisory member for Inland SoCal United Way, and a board member of Partners for Better Health and Promise Scholars.  “Finding the right person to lead the IEHP Foundation was a critical first step in its development,” said IEHP Chief Executive Officer Jarrod McNaughton. “Angelica’s expertise in this field will support our efforts to improve the health of the IE for decades into the future.”

e Health Plan (IEHP) has organized a series of educational campaigns, community partnerships and stakeholder collaborations to provide access and educational support to unvaccinated residents. According to state data, Black and Hispanic communities and Medi-Cal Members rank among the lowest in vaccination rates in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. In addition, case rates for COVID-19 positive patients in the region continue to dramatically fluctuate, posing ongoing uncertainty and risk. “The COVID-19 vaccine is the most ‘certainty’ we’ve had in fighting this virus,” said Dr. Takashi Wada, IEHP Chief Medical Officer. “While it is possible to be vaccinated and still contract the virus, data shows the vaccine has been incredibly effective in reducing the impacts of the virus, thus reducing hospitalizations and deaths. That’s why receiving the vaccine is so critical.” Since the roll out of the vaccine, IEHP has participated in several pop-up vaccine events, including a partnership with Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) and SAC Health System (SACHS), to organize a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church (St. Paul AME) in San Bernardino, a prominent place of worship for the county’s Black Community. With additional funding coming from the state Medi-Cal COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive Program,  IEHP will continue to develop partnerships with the counties, community-based organizations, schools and churches to get innovate and craft additional actions to improve vaccination rates.  IEHP will also be developing an incentive program to encourage IEHP network providers to increase the rates of COVID vaccination.   “We understand the fears of those who chose to remain unvaccinated, and we want to empower these individuals by meeting them in familiar spaces, equipping them with facts, information and opportunities to receive their vaccine,” added Wada. “Familiarity and trust are a large part of making that decision, and we’re grateful to partner with community leaders and organizations to continue building that trust.” Last month, IEHP also partnered with sister plan L.A. Care to launch an educational campaign with the help of award-winning actor Jaime Camil, known for his work on The CW’s Jane the Virgin and Disney’s Coco. The effort included Instagram Live events, PSAs and billboards that will run in the weeks to come.  “In addition to battling the pandemic, we’re also battling a bit of an info-demic,” said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP Chief Executive Officer. “Providing our communities with factual, honest information about the vaccine in a way that relates to them personally, can make all the difference. Health care is incredibly personal, and we’re grateful to work with such an esteemed group of partners to ensure that our most vulnerable residents are equipped with all they need to enjoy optimal care and vibrant health.” The health plan will continue to serve San Bernardino County as a super vaccination site, hosting a clinic in their Rancho Cucamonga headquarters, with plans to expand operations with additional community health partners in the near future. To learn more, visit sbcovid19.com/vaccine.  

inning celebrity famous for that “box of chocolates” movie line.   And yes, Hanks even uttered the well-known quote when visiting Jose, who has an intellectual developmental disability: cerebral palsy.   In some ways, Jose’s life mirrors that of the fictional Forrest Gump. “I grew up with (leg) braces and when I got my first pair of braces, that movie ‘Forrest Gump’ came out and his mom in the movie reminded me of my mom,” said Jose, a physical accessibility review survey specialist at Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). “And I used to be very, very sad … I wasn’t like the other kids. I would fall or trip; sometimes I would even have to use a wheelchair to move.” Like the fictional Forrest, Jose’s story is filled with hope and inspiration. In 2006, Jose completed his bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Services at California State University, Los Angeles. In 2020, he was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to the California State Independent Living Council. He also serves on the support team for the Inland Empire Disabilities Collaborative. And on June 12, 2022, Jose was asked to deliver a commencement speech at Loma Linda University (LLU), where he earned a Community Health Worker certification. He was also the first individual with an intellectual developmental disability to graduate from the San Manuel Gateway College/LLU program.   Admittedly, Jose, 39, experienced nerves about speaking in front of 500 people. Leading up to the big day, he prepared through meditation, taking deep breaths and listening to the same classical music he used to enjoy with his mother, who died on Jan. 20, 2022. Jose remembers thinking about his mother when he was called up to the podium, asking her: “Be in my heart and tell me what to say.” As if his mother may have heard that plea, Jose’s speech turned out wonderfully. “I was excited and thrilled about giving a speech,” he said. “I focused on the importance of reflecting how important it is to improve the quality of life for others working in the field of community health.” ‘I’M JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE’ Today, Jose is a valued member of IEHP’s community health team – where he’s worked since 2017 – interacting with IEHP Members at public events throughout the Inland Empire. But Jose knows firsthand the kinds of challenges the disabled population faces. After all, he’s personally faced a series of health issues related to his cerebral palsy: learning to walk with leg braces at the age of 3, seizures resulting from epilepsy and negative reactions to medications. Not to mention multiple hospital stays and the bullying in school. “People with disabilities like myself … we’re seen as people that really can’t be progressive and basically, our only options are to be institutionalized or being imprisoned or not having equal resources like everyone else,” said Jose, whose determination helped overcome his challenges and his leg braces, which he stopped needing in 1997. As a member of IEHP’s community health team, Jose shares his common experiences with other disabled people. “The beautiful part of him being out in the community is the connection that he is able to have with the Members,” said Carmen Ramirez, manager IEHP Community Behavioral Health and Social Supports. For Jose, a highlight of those connections centered on IEHP’s community efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through IEHP’s partnership with the Inland Empire Disabilities Collaborative, IEHP formed a COVID-19 response program to help Inland Empire residents meet the basic needs of food and access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at a time when those items were so scarce. “When I was able to make a difference in a family, it impacted me because I’m not a person with a disability – I’m just like everybody else,” said Jose, his voice quivering with emotion. “And I want to help people.” Jose is committed to IEHP’s Mission, Vision and Values, always putting the Member at the center of his universe, according to Carmen. “It always goes back to passion – and with Jose, you see it in his work, you see it in his words, you see it in his connections that he has within the community,” she said. For Jose, it’s all about “doing the right thing,” which he says is built on trust. “We have to make sure that we are doing everything in our power to do what we have to do to improve the quality for that specific Member,” he said. “Trust is always a big thing … you have to demonstrate that you’re keeping your word at all times.” A HEART FOR LEARNING After his mother passed away, Jose set a goal to one day return to school and gain more professional work skills. Then, thanks to IEHP’s sponsorship, along came the chance to enter LLU-San Manuel Gateway College’s Community Health Care Worker certificate program. At first, Jose wasn’t sure he could achieve his goal. “I remember Jose sitting down with me … he’s like: ‘I don’t know if I can do it; I’ve heard that it’s very intensive,’” Carmen recalled. “And I said, ‘You’re not alone, it’s OK, we got you – we have your back, we’re going to help you get through these nine weeks.’” During his commencement speech, Jose shared what that moment was like for him. “When they called me in at IEHP and they said, ‘Hey, there’s an opportunity to go to Loma Linda University,’ that opened my heart,” he said. So, Jose entered the program, putting trust in himself and the IEHP Team Members supporting his journey. He credited Carmen for teaching him time management, so he could succeed at his regular, full-time job duties while adding more tasks as a student. Standing before that captive audience in his cap and gown that summer day, Jose told them what completing this certification meant to him: “I have the opportunity to do what I love to do and that is to serve people, help people, empower them, show them the right way.” When he finished his speech at LLU, there was a huge round of applause and even a standing ovation. As for the people who told Jose he would never have a so-called “normal life,” well, he gets the last line in that script. “Growing up, they told me I wasn’t going to be able to have kids or I wasn’t going to get married – and now, I have three beautiful daughters and my wife,” said the proud husband of Adriana and father to Hilda, 15; Viviana, 13; and Fatima, 11. “Wow – that’s why life is always a box of chocolates … because you never know what you’re going to get.” -View an inspirational video about Jose’s journey.

re District at the City’s Fire and Police Recognition Celebration on September 9. The distinguished award recognizes the health plan’s partnership with the City and County of San Bernardino to host an ongoing super vaccine clinic at the health plan’s headquarters. Located in Rancho Cucamonga, IEHP’s 400,000-square-foot headquarter building (known as the Atrium) was transformed into a super vaccination site in February 2021 where more than 36,900 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered to date. “We are incredibly humbled to receive this recognition from the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District,” said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP Chief Executive Officer. “Hosting the vaccine clinic is very important to us. As a health plan, a partner of the city and county, we knew we needed to do our part to make these vaccines accessible.” Rancho Cucamonga Fire District’s Business Partner of the Year is traditionally awarded to a community business who assists the district as a problem solver. “This award is our humble way of expressing our gratitude for the partnership in this historic effort. We thank IEHP for opening their doors and making a difference in thousands of lives within our community during these unprecedented times,” said Ivan Rojer, Rancho Cucamonga Fire District’s Fire Chief. IEHP has been a Rancho Cucamonga Business Partner since relocating from San Bernardino in 2013. Prior to March 2020, IEHP’s ENERGY STAR® certified Atrium building supported more than 2,400 Team Members (IEHP employees), who have temporarily transitioned to full-time work-from-home schedules during the pandemic. “In addition to addressing the needs of our Members and residents throughout the Inland Empire, it means so much to us that we were able to open our building to provide more access for our friends and neighbors in Rancho Cucamonga as well,” said Dr. Takashi Wada, IEHP Chief Medical Officer. “We are incredibly grateful for the recognition and the ongoing support pouring into the vaccine clinic. And we look forward to continuing our partnerships to help increase vaccine rates in our region.” The clinic is located at 10801 Sixth Street in Rancho Cucamonga and is scheduled to run for the rest of the year. Appointments and walk-ins can be accommodated. Appointments can be made at SBCovid19.com/vaccine.

loween this year with a special Trunk-Or-Treat in San Bernardino. The second annual Trunk-Or-Treat event is the result of a partnership between Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and Southern California Resource Services for Independent Living (SCRS-IL) and will be held on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 5-8 p.m. at the SCRS-IL’s San Bernardino office at 1950 S. Sunwest Lane. “This is the only Inland Empire event serving our disabled community in the month of October,” said SCRS-IL Chief Executive Officer Rudy Contreras, who organized the inaugural Trunk-Or-Treat in just 30 days last year after learning the community needed a Halloween activity for children with disabilities during the pandemic.  The Trunk-Or-Treat will feature carnival games, candy, accessible spooky mazes, snacks, refreshments, community resources and a vaccine clinic.  “Last year’s event was a reopening of inclusivity, and this year, we’re building on that with more sponsors, games, prizes, booths and even more community,” added Contreras. “With partners like IEHP, we’re able to make that happen and create safe, inclusive spaces that celebrate the diversity of our community.” Attendees who receive a vaccine at the event will receive a free cooler or beach chair, and IEHP members ages 6 and older who receive their first vaccine will be given a $50 gift card. Grocery boxes will also be provided to the first 150 families in attendance. “When community partners and organizations come together and support the needs of our neighbors and communities, we move one step closer to ensuring vibrant health to those we serve,” said IEHP Independent Living and Diversity Services Community Health Representative Jose Solorzano. “It doesn’t get any better than that.” For more information, visit https://www.scrs-ilc.org/trunkortreat.  

helping to enhance access to testing in the region. Distributions were organized through the health plan’s Community Resource Centers in Riverside, San Bernardino and Victorville. In addition to the state’s on-going effort to provide tests to Medi-Cal Members through Medi-Cal enrolled pharmacies, IEHP was eager to provide additional testing access by purchasing and distributing tests directly to their Membership. Members received two test kits per family, which includes a total of four antigen tests. Earlier this year, at the height of the Omicron variant’s surge, rapid COVID-19 testing opportunities were in high demand while the supply was very limited.  “Access to testing is essential to community health,” said Dr. Gabriel Uribe, IEHP’s Community Health Director. “Having access to COVID-19 testing reduces transmission in our region by helping residents make informed decisions about their health. Knowing whether or not you are positive for COVID-19 can make all the difference in the lives of your friends and family.” Tests distributed by the health plan are not PCR tests and are not acceptable for travel or events, but can be used for quick results. While only IEHP Members were eligible to receive COVID-19 tests through the health plan, Non-Members are encouraged to visit Riverside or San Bernardino County’s websites for test kit distribution locations.   IEHP is also reminding Members that in-home COVID-19 test kits purchased between 3/11/21 and 1/31/22 can be reimbursed with a receipt using the DHCS claims process. “Providing our Members access to quality tests, care and support remains our largest priority,” said Dr. Takashi Wada, IEHP’s Chief Medical Officer. “As a community-based health plan, we are actively looking for new and innovative ways to fulfill our mission to heal and inspire spirit and will continue to do so, even in the face of this uncertain pandemic.”   Upcoming distributions are scheduled for Tuesday, February 15 at all IEHP Community Resource Centers from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Visit IEHP’s Facebook page for details.  

ren (ages 5-11) against COVID-19 as cases continue to surge across the state. The health plan is supporting access to the vaccine for Inland Empire families through sponsorships of child-friendly vaccine clinics across Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Members who receive their first COVID-19 vaccine are also eligible to receive a free $50 gift card at IEHP-sponsored clinics listed on the health plan’s website. IEHP is also providing fact-based information for parents and guardians on their website and across the plan’s social media accounts. “IEHP is joining forces with several partners to ensure the community has access to vaccines and clinical information to stay healthy,” said Dr. Priya Batra, IEHP’s Senior Medical Director for Family and Community Health. “Vaccinating children who are eligible can protect unvaccinated younger siblings and family Members who are vulnerable to COVID-19. The risk of hospitalization and health complications is greatly reduced in children who are vaccinated.”  According to the CDC, the approved complete Pfizer dose for children aged 5-11 is 20 micrograms (a third of the 60 micrograms for adults) – administered at 10 micrograms per dose 21 days apart – and has undergone rigorous testing to prove it is safe and effective.  “It’s no secret the vaccine is effective in dramatically reducing contraction of COVID-19 and symptoms requiring hospitalization,” said Dr. Takashi Wada, IEHP’s Chief Medical Officer. “Providing our children that protection is essential, especially as our communities continue to open and try to return to normal operations. Vaccinating children will encourage and allow the safe return of all our children’s favorite sporting activities, play dates, school functions and more.”  Click here to learn more about where to receive COVID-19 vaccines for you and your child.   

iverside Medical Clinic Charitable Foundation’s (RMCCF) 2022 HERO Business of the Year Award at its annual fundraiser Aug. 18. RMCCF also recognized IEHP Community Partnerships Manager LuAnna Jauregui with a HERO Award for outstanding cooperation and capturing the spirit of being a true hero.  The HERO Program annual awards recognize organizations and individuals who demonstrate leadership and exceptional efforts in supporting and promoting kindness, empathy and inclusion within the community. For the last four years, IEHP has partnered with the RMCCF and its Anti-Bullying Institute’s programs that help children, parents, schools and youth organizations deal with bullying. “IEHP has been a foundation community partner for many years. They are receiving our 2022 HERO Business of the Year Award because of their generous support for our growing programs,” said RMCCF’s Executive Director Lynda Bailey. “They continue to reach out to us with open communication to assist us in meeting the needs in our community. They make our ‘small but mighty non-profit’ feel heard and supported.” For over 25 years, IEHP has worked tirelessly to “do the right thing” for the Inland Empire community it serves, fostering collaborations that emphasize goodwill and inclusivity.  “IEHP is committed to helping foster a culture where kindness, empathy and inclusion are the rule, not the exception,” said IEHP Chief Executive Officer Jarrod McNaughton. “We are honored to receive this award and also proudly congratulate team member, LuAnna Jauregui on the well-deserved recognition of her tireless efforts to make a difference in our communities.” Connecting the dots and helping to facilitate the partnership on behalf of IEHP, LuAnna Jauregui has been heavily involved with RMCCF’s bullying prevention efforts, as it holds a special place in her heart.  “Supporting kindness and inclusion in the Inland Empire means more of my neighbors, friends, family and their children have the opportunity to live joyfully,” said Jauregui. “Receiving this recognition from RMCCF is truly an honor and I look forward to our continued work, bringing even more compassion to our region.”    

er place for all?  Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is currently collecting nominations for its 2023 Living the Mission Awards, which will be announced next spring. Nominations can be made until Feb. 15, 2023, by visiting LivingTheMissionAwards.IEHP.org. Categories for the awards include Creativity and Innovation, Vibrant Health, Optimal Care and Inspire.   The Creativity and Innovation Award will honor a provider, entity or community partner that exemplifies the courage to “break the mold” in pursuit of innovative ways to address health concerns for Inland Empire residents. IEHP’s Vibrant Health Award will recognize a provider, entity or community partner that exemplifies engagement with the well-being and joyful life of residents in the Inland Empire.  The health plan’s Optimal Care Award will celebrate a provider or entity that exemplifies world-class care and outcomes in preventive care, chronic care or hospital care. In addition, the Inspire Award will acknowledge a provider, an entity or community partner that exemplifies IEHP’s mission, “We heal and inspire the human spirit.” Earlier this year, Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSB) and SAC Health System earned IEHP’s first Living the Mission Awards. This recognition highlighted CAPSB’s dedication to eliminate effects of poverty and SAC Health System’s tireless support and service to residents in both Riverside and San Bernardino counties. “The work we do each and every day to fulfill our mission to heal and inspire the human spirit is made possible through the innovative and courageous contributions of our providers and partners,” said IEHP Chief Executive Officer Jarrod McNaughton. “We look forward to honoring these groups and continuing our collaborative work to make the Inland Empire a healthier place for all.”   Awards will be announced at IEHP’s annual Mission Conference scheduled for May 5, 2023.  To learn more, visit missionconference.iehp.org.     

ion Officer. In this role, Vinil will provide leadership for the overall information technology architecture, as well as the design, development, implementation, and support of IEHP’s systems. Vinil joins IEHP most recently from Health New England, where he served as the Chief Information and Technology Officer and was responsible for managing a unique portfolio and elevating the role of technology from a supportive function to a strategic partner that played a major part in the growth of the organization.  Vinil also developed and executed an end-to-end operational roadmap for sales, underwriting and accounting. In addition, he rearchitected and streamlined production support and application development operations to bring stability, predictability, and optimizations to the organization. Prior to his role at Health New England, Vinil served as vice president, digital transformation officer at AIG in New York. While in this role, he led a $50M global digital transformation initiative, which included migration and consolidation of digital properties from 140 countries around the world. Vinil holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Bay Path University in Longmeadow, Massachusetts and is eager to join IEHP, “I look forward to joining the team and helping fulfill the IEHP mission through collaboration, innovation, and strategic support.  There are no limits to what we can achieve for the members, providers, employees, and community when we work together”. “Vinil will make an excellent addition to the team and we are so excited to bring him on board,” said IEHP Chief Executive Officer Jarrod McNaughton. “Vinil’s experience and expertise in the field will support our efforts to enhance the effectiveness of the remarkable work IEHP does every day in an effort to heal and inspire the human spirit.”

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. 

Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) had officially opened its doors.  Twenty-six years later, a small cohort of team members hired during the health plan’s opening year – self-proclaimed, “The Originals” – continue to serve their community as IEHP team members.  Comprised of team members from various departments across the health plan, the Originals have contributed to some of IEHP’s most critical projects, supporting the health plan’s innovative spirit and providing optimal care for more than 1.6 million members.  “Our IEHP Originals continue to push us forward through their deep commitment and understanding of what it means to be an IEHP team member,” said IEHP Chief Executive Officer Jarrod McNaughton. “This group reminds us each and every day of where we’ve been, and why we must continue to move forward.” As IEHP celebrates and reflects on the organization’s 26th anniversary this year, the health plan is also honoring its Originals to share more about their commitment and their unique place in IEHP’s history.  “If we worked late or on the weekends, you’d often find our kids at work – they’d play in the open spaces or at the desks while we kept working,” recalled IEHP IT Test Governance and Coordination Manager Imelda Ramirez. “My son used to play under my desk with his Matchbox cars. I still have them at my desk. It was a family adventure getting ready for go-live in 1996 and those first few years.”   To learn more about IEHP’s Originals and their stories, visit IEHP on LinkedIn.  

Indio, Calif., on Dec. 4 and 5.  A long-time supporter of the festival, IEHP will provide health education resources and host a free vaccine clinic near the festival. In partnership with Kaiser Permanente, IEHP’s vaccine clinic will be located just two blocks away from the festival at 45720 Smurr St. in Indio and will offer free COVID-19 and flu vaccines to adults and children from 12-6 p.m. Appointments are not required. Indio’s International Tamale Festival began in 1992 and welcomes diverse crowds to enjoy handmade tamales from around the world. In addition to world-famous tamales, this year’s festival will feature live musical performances, entry to the World’s Biggest Bounce House, a roller rink, carnival rides and hundreds of booths. “Supporting the Indio Tamale Festival has become a tradition for IEHP for more than 15 years,” said Marci Coffey, IEHP’s Community Partnerships Director. “The festival provides fun, family-centered time for our community, and we’re always eager to provide benefit information and connections to resources. This year, we’re especially eager to get back to the festival and offer vaccines to the community.” Historically, hundreds of IEHP Team Members and their family members volunteered for the annual event and were bussed from the health plan’s corporate headquarters in Rancho Cucamonga to Indio. This year, IEHP’s community health teams will be spread throughout the region to support Indio’s Tamale Festival and additional community events in Rialto, Victorville and Needles.  “We want our members and communities to enjoy all the fun during the holidays in the safest way possible,” said Cesar Armendariz, IEHP’s Senior Director of Community Health. “We’re grateful to have the resources and strategic partnerships in place to make vaccines accessible to those who need them and look forward to continuing to encourage optimal care and vibrant health in our region.”  

the health plan in the 99th percentile for provider satisfaction nationwide.  Administered to the health plan’s provider network by phone 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 primary care physicians, specialists and behavioral health providers.  “To deliver the best care to our members, our providers need ongoing support from their health plan partner,” said Susie White, IEHP Chief Operating Officer. “Survey responses alert us to what areas we need to improve upon and where gaps lie so we can be effective in applying strategic solutions to support our providers. Ultimately we want to ensure our Providers are feeling secure and confident in the work and services they provide to our members. This survey provides great insight into that.” To gain actionable feedback from the plan’s provider network, the survey focused on key drivers of provider satisfaction. Top drivers included: access to case and care managers, timeliness of claims processing, and number of specialists in the network.  A notable 98.1% of providers shared they would recommend IEHP to other physician practices. Broken down by category, IEHP ranked within the 99th percentile for provider relations, health plan call center staff, pharmacy, utilization and quality management, and coordination of care. The health plan also scored in the 99th percentile in the financial category, highlighting the health plan’s ability to resolve questions or discrepancies of payment.  The survey provided additional insight for ways to improve support activities. “Our provider feedback pointed us to a really great opportunity to enhance access to resources and information supporting telehealth services,” said White. “As we continue to navigate our way through this pandemic together, reinforcing efforts in this area will be critical for our communities.” “The last two years have been an extraordinarily difficult time for our Providers as healthcare professionals and as human beings,” said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP Chief Executive Officer. “I can’t begin to say how grateful we are for their work in our community and IEHP is committed to make every effort to support our Providers so our Members and Communities can enjoy the optimal care they deserve.”  

spread awareness about Type 1 diabetes and the detection of the chronic health condition in children. Together, the two organizations will actively distribute and promote educational material and work to connect the community with supportive resources. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the frequency of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in young people is a growing clinical and public health concern. While Type 2 diabetes is preventable, Type 1 diabetes is not. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by deficient insulin production and requires daily doses of the key hormone that converts glucose into energy. Diabetes has the potential to damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves, according to the World Health Organization. EASE T1D is the joint effort of two mothers, Debbie George and Michelle Thornburg, who have children with Type 1 (T1D) diabetes. Through their more than 25 years of combined experience, they have come to recognize areas of significant need and have joined forces to apply their knowledge as parents of young diabetics through Education, Awareness, Support and Empowerment (EASE). “The goal of EASE T1D is to raise public awareness of what Type 1 diabetes is and the onset symptoms,” said Debbie George, who co-founded EASE T1D. “So many times, children go undiagnosed because a parent thought it was a simple virus.” “Excessive thirst, frequent urination, weakness and weight loss are the top four symptoms,” added George. “And because there are so many illnesses these symptoms could be attributed to, awareness is critical.”     The non-profit group is also active in shaping state law, recently partnering with Poison lead singer and reality TV star Bret Michaels – diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 6 years old – in support of California’s Senate Bill 97, which requires Type 1 diabetes information to be available on the California Department of Education’s website and to be distributed to parents and guardians of K-12 students. The bill was signed into law in October 2021 as a part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $123.9 billion K-12 package.   “Empowering parents and guardians with this information is a great step in extending preventive health care services to our community,” said Dr. Wada, IEHP’s chief medical officer. “This partnership will help us to fill in the gaps and truly meet our members where they are.” To learn more about EASE T1D, visit EASET1D.org.  

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.

in their upcoming event, MALO ‘E OFA Christmas 2022 Extravaganza Resource Fair and Vaccine Clinic, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, at First United Methodist Church of Ontario, in Ontario, Calif. The event will provide attendees with free vaccines, groceries, children’s toys and gifts, afternoon Zumba and lots of holiday cheer. Vaccines will include Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. Pediatric Moderna vaccines and boosters for children 6 months through 11 years old will also be available. Those who would like to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to make an appointment online here. MALO, a non-profit organization established in 2017, serves more than 2,000 Tongan Americans in the Inland Empire through youth mentorship, job readiness, resource literacy and cultural gathering events. “Our community has been under-resourced for decades – these partnerships are a sign of hope that our beautiful and deserving community will get the resources needed to live a life with good health and accessible health care,” said Lolofi Soakai, MALO founder and executive director. “Having partners in health care gives a peace of mind knowing that current health concerns are addressed, and preventive care is accessible” Through their years of partnership, MALO and IEHP have collaborated to distribute back-to-school backpacks, hosted various vaccine clinics, and provided personal protective equipment and household items during the COVID-19 pandemic. IEHP has also assisted MALO by providing information on health and wellness benefits. “Meeting our communities where they are and ensuring their access to vaccines and health and wellness resources is a cornerstone of who IEHP is,” said LuAnna Jauregui, IEHP community partnerships manager. “Partnering with organizations like MALO allows us to deliver on our promise to ‘heal and inspire the human spirit’ and support health equity in our region.” To learn more about MALO and their important work in the Inland Empire, visit malotongaie.org

th care visionaries and thought leaders at the health plan’s headquarters on Oct. 13, to share supportive acceleration strategies for a more integrated and sustainable health system. The one-day event featured keynote conversations from industry leaders on trends and changes that are impacting the health care environment in the state and region.  Featured speakers included: Author and Health Care Futurist Ian Morrison; California Health & Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly; University California Los Angeles Hospital and Clinic System Chief of Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Dr. Medell Briggs-Malonson; IEHP Chief Quality Officer Dr. Edward Juhn; President and Founder of MEDIS, LLC Dr. Michael Barr; and President of HC2 Strategies and Co-Chair of Stakeholder Health Dora Barilla.   “The idea that this isn’t the summit of health care is really key. It’s the future of health. Health is more than health care,” shared Dr. Ghaly in his talk about California Health & Human Services’ vision and efforts. “There is an opportunity to constantly push ourselves and push our partners to think differently about how public and private partnerships can advance this concept of deep community health. It starts with conversations like this and bringing people together.” IEHP Chief Executive Officer Jarrod McNaughton said he hoped the day’s discussions will lead to real reflection and specific action plans. “We’re very serious about moving this community, in partnership with our providers, forward and moving the quality needle,” McNaughton added. “This kind of work can’t happen alone, and we are grateful for the tremendous showing of support and collaboration to ensure vibrant health in our communities for generations to come.”