The two-story, 33,000-square-foot space at 2050 N. Massachusetts Ave. will replace the existing center on Second Street when it opens in 2025.

“Today’s groundbreaking is more than a symbolic gesture – it’s about laying the foundation of hope and confirming our commitment to building healthy communities, caring for our neighbors and doing work for the greater good,” said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP’s chief executive officer.

The San Bernardino CWC was the first of three Community Wellness Centers to open in the region, followed by Riverside and Victorville. All centers provide access to holistic health-based resources to IEHP members and non-members at no cost.

The new CWC will host amenities not available in the current 6,500-square-foot location, including:

• Six multi-purpose rooms that will double as accessible spaces open for the community to host meetings and gatherings.
• A state-of-the-art integrated teaching kitchen with seating up to 50.
• Five partner suites for integrated community-based organization (CBOs) partners to provide services to residents.
• A multi-media room with tools to accommodate tech-based learning and growth.
• An expanded class schedule.
• A children’s room and teen center for all-day programming.
  
  For many, CWCs have created lasting bonds between site staff and all who walk through each center’s doors.

The post IEHP’s newly announced Community Wellness Center adds more heart to the city of San Bernardino appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

The free family-friendly celebration is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 20 at 12353 Mariposa Road, Suites C2 and C3 in Victorville.

The event will include promotions, raffles, toy giveaways, snacks, balloon twisters, IEHP Superheroes, fitness and cooking demonstrations, facility tours and more. 

The Community Wellness Center hosts year-round classes and makes resources available at no cost. 

Since opening, the center has become a beacon of hope and support for those struggling with weight and/or loneliness, or who may need additional services such as housing, after-school programming and food, officials said. 

Victorville is home to nearly 135,000 residents, many of whom must travel down the hill to reach vital services. The goal of the center is to help bridge the gap between the limited resources available in the area and the residents who need them.

Inland Empire Health Plan is one of the top 10 largest Medicaid health plans and the largest not-for-profit Medicare-Medicaid public health plan in the country.

For the third year in a row, the wellness center has been certified as “A Great Place To Work.” In its 27th year, Inland Empire Health Plan supports more than 1.5 million Riverside and San Bernardino County residents enrolled in Medicaid or IEHP DualChoice (those with both Medi-Cal and Medicare). 

Today, Inland Empire Health Plan has a growing network of nearly 6,800 providers and more than 3,000 team members who are fully committed to the vision: 

For more information, visit iehp.org.

The post Inland Empire Health Plan to celebrate anniversary milestone in Victorville appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

The panel, conducted over Zoom, included several IEHP leaders, including Susie White, Chief Operating Officer; Dr. Priya Batra, Senior Medical Director for Family and Community Health; Shelly LaMaster, Director of Integrated Care; and Anna Wang, General Counsel.

“The event was wonderful and hearing from IEHP’s women leaders was impactful for all who attended,” said Dr. Leticia Romo, Chaffey College’s Director of Student Equity and Engagement. “We had the opportunity to hear real and authentic stories, wisdom, and encouragement.  Our students learned about mentorship, management responsibilities, leadership development, and overcoming imposter syndrome.  We definitely look forward to connecting with the IEHP leaders in the future.”

The panel also provided students with stories about their own educational journey and career background and offered advice for future healthcare leaders. “Our work as a community-based health plan goes well beyond traditional health services,” said White. “It also includes making sure the next generation of leaders are equipped with the necessary support, tools and information to make even greater contributions to the healthcare space in the future.”

In 2020, the health plan launched a Healthcare Scholarship Fund, partnering with Loma Linda University Medical School, University of California Riverside, and California University of Science and Medicine, to help remove the barrier of debt for local medical students and develop a growing workforce for healthcare professionals to care for the Inland Empire’s growing Medi-Cal population.

In addition, amid the pandemic, IEHP provided internships to local public health students at Claremont Graduate University and Western University of Health Sciences to assist in developing program curricula at the plan’s Community Resource Centers. 

“Sharing knowledge and guidance with Inland Empire learners just entering the health care workforce is another way we can positively impact health and wellness,” said Dr. Priya Batra, IEHP’s Senior Medical Director for Family and Community Health. “Supporting the advancement of diverse health care professionals will help us achieve vibrant health in our region.”

About IEHP
With a mission to heal and inspire the human spirit, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is one of the top 10 largest Medicaid health plans and the largest not-for-profit Medicare-Medicaid plan in the country. In its 25^th year, IEHP is supporting more than 1.5 million residents in Riverside and San Bernardino counties who are enrolled in Medicaid or Cal MediConnect Plans and has a growing network of over 7,800 providers and nearly 2,500 Team Members. Through dynamic partnerships with Providers and Community Organizations, paired with award-winning service and a tradition of quality care, IEHP is fully committed to their vision: We will not rest until our communities enjoy optimal care and vibrant health.  For more information, visit iehp.org.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post IEHP’s Women in Leadership Engage with Local Students appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

The expanded coverage, directed through the CalAIM initiative, will transition traditional services to managed care plans like IEHP and provide a new coordinated care service offering supporting all 27,408 miles of the Inland Empire.

Prior to the expansion, residents in these rural areas received health coverage through Medi-Cal’s traditional fee-for-service model but did not have access to services like health education programs, telephone advice nurses, and coordinated care support.

IEHP is currently in the process of contracting and credentialing available Providers in these areas to ensure Members are assigned to the Primary Care Providers nearest to their areas.

“Just like the rest of our Membership, these new Members deserve the best care possible and should have access to a solid network of Providers and community supports,” said Susie White, IEHP Chief Operating Officer. “We’re thrilled some of our trusted Provider partners have made their way into our new service area and opened clinics to welcome our new Members. Teams across our organization continue to work on building a sustainable network for our entire community.”

To help new Members become familiar with the health plan and the resources they now have access to, IEHP’s Community Health Teams have attended and hosted various events in the community, with the commitment to continue the support efforts moving forward. Earlier this year, IEHP joined community partners Young Visionaries, the Family & Kids Foundation, and Food Forward, to provide food, toys, household items, fresh produce, and vaccine opportunities for more than 300 residents in Trona.

“As an IEHP Member, you can absolutely trust that we will do the right thing for you and your family and get you connected to the care you need,” said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP Chief Executive Officer. “We are so excited to welcome our neighbors in these rural areas and support them in a way that complements and enhances their quality of life for years to come.”

Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) | Contributed

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post IEHP Expands Healthcare Services to Entire Inland Empire appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

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.”

About IEHP

With a mission to heal and inspire the human spirit, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is one of the top 10 largest Medicaid health plans and the largest not-for-profit Medicare-Medicaid plan in the country. In its 25th year, IEHP is supporting nearly 1.5 million residents in Riverside and San Bernardino counties who are enrolled in Medicaid or Cal MediConnect Plans and has a growing network of over 7,500 providers and nearly 2,500 Team Members. Through dynamic partnerships with Providers and Community Organizations, paired with award-winning service and a tradition of quality care, IEHP is fully committed to their vision: We will not rest until our communities enjoy optimal care and vibrant health. For more information, visit iehp.org.

Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) | Contributed

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post New IEHP Program Combats Loneliness and Depression appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Utilizing a multi-channel approach, the organizations will serve as an access point to timely and accurate health information for students, staff and the community during the ongoing pandemic.

“We are excited to welcome IEHP as a partner to help us continue our mission of preparing our student-athletes for opportunities in life through sport,” said Wesley Mallette, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “In partnership with IEHP, we hope to educate and inform all Highlanders about the amazing resources IEHP provides and their positive impact on lives.” 

As a corporate sponsor, IEHP will be cheering for UCR’s basketball, baseball and softball home games, and will be sponsoring a basketball game on February 17, celebrating Black History Month. At this event, Michael Deering, IEHP’s Vice President of Innovation, Acceleration and Diversity, will be announcing the UCR Highlanders’ starting lineup.

Also featured in the partnership is the health plan’s collaborative work with UCR’s Center for Healthy Communities and School of Medicine and will be aired on videoboard screens before games—appearing on ESPN+ when Highlander games are televised.

“UCR’s commitment to public health is incredibly evident in all they do,” said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP’s Chief Executive Officer. “We’re grateful to partner with them on multiple levels and look forward to sharing resources and accurate COVID-19 information so we can put our best foot forward in living healthy lives and defeating this virus, together.”

For upcoming UCR game schedules and events, visit gohighlanders.com.

About IEHP
With a mission to heal and inspire the human spirit, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is one of the top 10 largest Medicaid health plans and the largest not-for-profit Medicare-Medicaid plan in the country. In its 25^th year, IEHP is supporting more than 1.4 million residents in Riverside and San Bernardino counties who are enrolled in Medicaid or Cal MediConnect Plans and has a growing network of over 7,300 providers and nearly 2,500 Team Members. Through dynamic partnerships with Providers and Community Organizations, paired with award-winning service and a tradition of quality care, IEHP is fully committed to their vision: We will not rest until our communities enjoy optimal care and vibrant health.  For more information, visit iehp.org.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post UC Riverside Athletics and IEHP Partner for Community Wellness appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Physicians are encouraging families in the region to vaccinate their children (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.”

To learn more about where to receive COVID-19 vaccines for you and your child, visit iehp.org.

About IEHP
With a mission to heal and inspire the human spirit, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is one of the top 10 largest Medicaid health plans and the largest not-for-profit Medicare-Medicaid plan in the country. In its 25th year, IEHP is supporting more than 1.4 million residents in Riverside and San Bernardino counties who are enrolled in Medicaid or Cal MediConnect Plans and has a growing network of over 7,300 providers and nearly 2,500 Team Members. Through dynamic partnerships with Providers and Community Organizations, paired with award-winning service and a tradition of quality care, IEHP is fully committed to their vision: We will not rest until our communities enjoy optimal care and vibrant health. For more information, visit iehp.org.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post IEHP Physicians Encourage COVID-19 Vaccines for Youth appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

“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.” 

About IEHP
With a mission to heal and inspire the human spirit, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is one of the top 10 largest Medicaid health plans and the largest not-for-profit Medicare-Medicaid plan in the country. In its 25^th year, IEHP is supporting more than 1.4 million residents in Riverside and San Bernardino counties who are enrolled in Medicaid or Cal MediConnect Plans and has a growing network of over 7,300 providers and nearly 2,500 Team Members. Through dynamic partnerships with Providers and Community Organizations, paired with award-winning service and a tradition of quality care, IEHP is fully committed to their vision: We will not rest until our communities enjoy optimal care and vibrant health.  For more information, visit iehp.org.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post New IEHP Program Connects Members to Needed Services appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

“In the last 25 years, we’ve had the incredible pleasure of connecting millions in our region to whole-person healthcare services,” said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP chief executive officer. “With large initiatives like CalAIM underway and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that we continue to meet our members, providers and team members where they are, so that we may effectively work together to deliver optimal care and vibrant health to residents in our region.”

IEHP began its operation in 1996 with over 60,000 Medi-Cal members and worked proactively to provide coverage to uninsured children in working families who did not qualify for Medi-Cal by launching the Healthy Families program in 1998. By 2000, IEHP had become one of the first Medi-Cal only health plans in California to receive “Commendable” NCQA Accreditation and ranked the ninth largest Medicaid Plan in the United States.  

With the development of several programs supporting children (Healthy Kids), seniors (Medicaid), persons with disabilities (Medicare DualChoice), and specific health conditions (like diabetes and asthma), IEHP was able to support the influx of Inland Empire Residents who became eligible for its health services through the Affordable Care Act, increasing the health plan’s membership to 1 million members by 2015.

Recently, the health plan was mentioned as a model in California’s Master Plan for Aging and has contributed several ideas to the state’s multi-year transformational initiative to address many of the complex challenges impacting the state’s Medi-Cal population (CalAIM). Programs serving as models include the health plan’s innovating work around health and housing, like IEHP’s Housing Initiative and Health Home programs.

In addition to supporting transformative initiatives like CalAIM, IEHP is also working towards sustainable solutions to increase positive health outcomes of residents in the region. “While we celebrate the great work done in our region, our job as a community-based health plan is far from over,” said McNaughton.

“Building and strengthening networks of providers in the I.E. to offset the on-going provider shortage and working with our partners to create an Electronic Medical Record system to better care for members, are only two of the large priorities we’re working through,” added McNaughton. “Accompanied by our mantra to always ‘do the right thing’ for our members, our mission to heal and inspire the human spirit will guide our thoughts, our decisions, and most importantly, our actions through these projects and at IEHP in the months and years to come.”

About IEHP
With a mission to heal and inspire the human spirit, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is one of the top 10 largest Medicaid health plans and the largest not-for-profit Medicare-Medicaid plan in the country. In its 25th year, IEHP is supporting more than 1.4 million residents in Riverside and San Bernardino counties who are enrolled in Medicaid or Cal MediConnect Plans and has a growing network of over 7,300 providers and nearly 2,500 Team Members. Through dynamic partnerships with Providers and Community Organizations, paired with award-winning service and a tradition of quality care, IEHP is fully committed to their vision: We will not rest until our communities enjoy optimal care and vibrant health.  For more information, visit iehp.org. 

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post IEHP Celebrates 25 Years of “Doing the Right Thing” appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

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.

About IEHP
With a mission to heal and inspire the human spirit, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is one of the top 10 largest Medicaid health plans and the largest not-for-profit Medicare-Medicaid plan in the country. In its 25th year, IEHP is supporting more than 1.4 million residents in Riverside and San Bernardino counties who are enrolled in Medicaid or Cal MediConnect Plans and has a growing network of over 7,300 providers and nearly 2,500 Team Members. Through dynamic partnerships with Providers and Community Organizations, paired with award-winning service and a tradition of quality care, IEHP is fully committed to their vision: We will not rest until our communities enjoy optimal care and vibrant health.  For more information, visit iehp.org.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post IEHP Launches Campaigns to Increase Vaccine Rates in the Inland Empire appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.