IEHP, CA Community Colleges Launch Student Health Program
Inland Empire Health Plan Partners with San Bernardino community College District to Boost Student Health
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A groundbreaking partnership aims to bolster student well-being in the Inland Empire. The Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and the San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) are joining forces to provide greater access to healthcare and food security for students.
Addressing Student needs Through Collaborative Initiatives
The collaboration focuses on enrolling eligible students in vital programs such as Medi-Cal, Covered California, and CalFresh. This initiative seeks to strengthen equitable access to both healthcare and behavioral health services, while also reinforcing campus infrastructure to deliver Medi-Cal eligible services and removing existing barriers.
According to Thomas Pham, IEHPS vice president of strategy, “Having the stability of health care and food safety will aid in keeping students’ focus on their academic success rather than having to choose one or the other. We hope the success of this partnership allows for more innovative thinking when it comes to strengthening the well-being and quality of life here in the I.E. and across California.”
Key Goals of the Partnership
- Enroll all eligible students in Medi-Cal, Covered California and/or CalFresh.
- Strengthen students’ equitable access to health care and behavioral health services.
- Strengthen campus infrastructure to provide Medi-Cal eligible services.
- Remove existing barriers to these services.
Vision 2030: A Roadmap for Community Colleges
This initiative aligns with the California Community Colleges’ Vision 2030, a strategic plan designed to enhance community college programming and services. The focus is on supporting the notable portion of economically disadvantaged students within the region.
More than 164,750 students attend twelve colleges within nine districts in San Bernardino and Riverside counties.Approximately 93,000 of these students are considered economically disadvantaged, highlighting the critical need for support.
San Bernardino Community College District: A Blueprint for Success
the San Bernardino Community College District, encompassing San Bernardino Valley College in San Bernardino and Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa, was chosen as the launchpad for this program. Research indicated that a significant number of students at these campuses self-identify as low-income.
The district serves 20,000 students across both Valley College and Crafton Hills. Impressively, nearly eight out of ten students pay zero tuition fees through need-based financial aid. both campuses offer food pantries to combat student hunger and provide access to resources like clothing, housing assistance, and career opportunities.
Our new partnership with Inland Empire Health plan is a common-sense investment that benefits everyone. When our students have the health care they need, they’re more likely to graduate, join the workforce, and give back to the community.That means healthier families, a stronger local economy, and a workforce ready to support our businesses. It’s about building a healthier, more vibrant Inland Empire, one student at a time.
Dr. Diana Z. Rodriguez, chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College district
Integrating Health Services into Enrollment Processes
With agreements now finalized, IEHP and SBCCD will implement strategies to integrate Medi-Cal and IEHP Covered into each school’s enrollment process. This includes on-site registration events and additional support through IEHP Enrollment Services,making access to healthcare more seamless for students.
IEHP Chief Executive Officer Jarrod McNaughton stated, “By eliminating barriers to much-needed health care, we are continuing to make good on our promise to invest in the continuous well-being of the Inland Empire.”
About IEHP
Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), founded in 1996, is committed to healing and inspiring the human spirit. As one of the top 10 largest Medicaid health plans and the largest not-for-profit Medicare-Medicaid public health plan in the country, IEHP supports over 1.5 million residents in Riverside and San Bernardino County. IEHP also offers Covered California plans, ensuring broader healthcare access. With a network of quality doctors and nearly 4,000 team members, IEHP strives for optimal care and vibrant health in the communities it serves.
For more information about IEHP and its mission, visit iehp.org.
Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) Partnership: Q&A
This article addresses common questions about the partnership between Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD), designed to improve student health and well-being.
What is the primary goal of the IEHP and SBCCD partnership?
The primary goal is to improve student well-being by increasing access to healthcare and food security for students within the San Bernardino community college District (SBCCD). This is achieved through collaborative initiatives focused on enrolling eligible students in programs like Medi-Cal, covered California, and CalFresh.
How will the partnership improve student access to healthcare?
The partnership aims to improve student access to healthcare in several ways:
Enrollment Assistance: Helping eligible students enroll in Medi-Cal, Covered California, and CalFresh.
Equitable Access: Strengthening equitable access to both healthcare and behavioral health services.
Campus Infrastructure: Reinforcing campus infrastructure to deliver Medi-Cal eligible services.
Barrier Removal: Removing existing barriers that prevent students from accessing these services.
integrated Enrollment: Integrating Medi-Cal and IEHP Covered enrollment into the school’s enrollment process with on-site registration events and IEHP Enrollment Services support.
What are the key programs the partnership will focus on?
The partnership will focus on enrolling eligible students in these key programs:
Medi-Cal: California’s Medicaid program, providing free or low-cost health