Health
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- Written by: Covered California
It’s college graduation season, and congrats to the class of 2019!
The moment they’ve worked so hard for is finally here. They’re ready to walk across that stage, grab that diploma and begin the rest of their lives.
But life can be complicated, and it’s imperative to have the important things – like one’s health – covered.
Graduation can mean that college students are coming off a school-sponsored health plan, or turning 26, the limit for when they can remain on parents’ health plans.
Transitioning into Covered California health plans is relatively simple through the special enrollment process, and graduating college students may even qualify for financial help to pay for monthly health care costs – often for about $50 per month.
As an older college student, Saul Guevara had to think about some of those things even before he graduated from the University of Southern California earlier this month in Los Angeles with a Master’s Degree in Communication Management.
Now 28, Guevara has been a Covered California consumer for the past two years while finishing work toward his degree.
“I chose to become a Covered California consumer because I learned that I qualified for federal subsidies to pay for my monthly health care payment,” Guevara said. “I’m paying $109 a month now instead of $316. Covered California has allowed me to get my medical needs met with the same primary care physician at a fraction of the cost.”
Guevara will begin working for the federal government this summer and plans to keep his Covered California coverage until he gets a health plan through his employer. Working part-time is a reality for many college graduates, as is getting married and starting your own business.
“Congratulations to all of this year’s college graduates for all you have accomplished,” said Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee. “But amidst all the changes in your life, make sure you always know what you will be doing for health care. If you are leaving your coverage behind when you graduate, then you may be eligible to enroll during Covered California’s ongoing special-enrollment period. Taking care of your health gives you the freedom to pursue your dreams.”
There are currently more than 336,000 Californians between the ages of 18 and 34 enrolled health plans through Covered California, and they are receiving quality, name-brand insurance coverage without breaking their banks.
The following circumstances are among the more common reasons people become eligible for Covered California Special Enrollment:
– Losing health coverage because you have lost or changed jobs.
– Turning 26 years old.
– Getting married or entering a domestic partnership.
– Having a baby or adopting a child.
– Moving and gaining access to new Covered California health insurance plans that were not available where you previously lived.
– Becoming a citizen, a U.S. national or a lawfully present individual.
If you qualify under any of these conditions, you are eligible to get health insurance coverage and join your fellow Californians in having one less thing to worry about. Make sure you take advantage of the financial help available to you and your family.
For more information on special-enrollment rules, visit http://www.CoveredCA.com/individuals-and-families/getting-covered/special-enrollment .
Those who qualify for Medi-Cal may enroll through Covered California year-round.
Eligible consumers who are interested in signing up should go to www.CoveredCA.com where they can get help to enroll. They can explore their options and find out if they qualify for financial help by using the Shop and Compare Tool.
They can also get free and confidential enrollment assistance by visiting www.coveredca.com/find-help/ and searching among 800 storefronts statewide, or more than 17,000 certified enrollers who can assist consumers in understanding their choices and enrolling, including individuals who can assist in other languages.
In addition, consumers can reach the Covered California service center by calling 800-300-1506.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Jennifer Hogue, RN, a nurse at Adventist Health Clear Lake was honored with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses during the hospital’s annual Nurses Week celebrations on May 8.
The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care provided to patients and families every day.
Hogue, a nurse since 1994, currently works in the Surgery Department at Adventist Health Clear Lake. She has served patients at the hospital since 2004.
In her first role as clinical information systems coordinator she established a program to bring Pacific Union College Nursing Students to Clearlake for clinical instruction, a program that still exists today.
She has also worked as a nursing supervisor, employee health nurse, and case manager before taking her role in surgery.
Hogue was nominated for the DAISY Award by her many grateful coworkers and patients at Adventist Health Clear Lake. She is known for her calming voice and a smile that helps bring comfort and reassurance to patients.
Coworkers comment that Hogue lives the mission every day as a tireless patient advocate who insures high quality clinical care is provided and individual rights for self-determination are honored. She is someone who unknowingly inspires those around her as a nurse who has faith, does not fear, and strives to do her best.
“Nurses are heroes every day,” said Colleen Assavapisitkul, RN, MSN, vice president of patient care. “It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued. Special recognitions such as the DAISY Award allow us to share our gratitude for our nurses’ dedication and skills.”
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Barnes died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, an uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.)
The care Barnes and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.
Nurses may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. The award recipient is chosen by a committee at Adventist Health Clear Lake to receive The DAISY Award. Awards are presented once a year at a celebration attended by the Honoree’s colleagues, patients, and visitors.
Hogue received a certificate commending her as an "extraordinary nurse." The certificate reads: "In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people."
She also received a DAISY Award pin and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The position is open to anyone who wants to help and is available to volunteer at least once a week during flexible hours.
ICU volunteers help answer phones, open doors and check in patient visitors.
“We love our volunteers,” said Pauline Orr, RN, director of ICU, Med/Surg and Outpatient Care. “We are a busy four bed ICU and admit high volumes of patients each month. ICU volunteers are an integral part of the team by supporting our dedicated staff.”
“I am very proud of what the ICU nurses are capable of doing, and know that extra volunteer support will make a big difference for the efficiency and wellbeing of the nursing staff,” said Dr. Kosolcharoen, medical director, ICU.
“The caliber of Sutter Lakeside volunteers, and their contributions, will help build a team that will continue to make Sutter proud for many years to come,” said Orr.
Please consider this exciting opportunity to support critically ill patients and their caretakers, or consider volunteering for one of the many other opportunities within the Auxiliary.
Sutter Lakeside Auxiliary volunteers manage and staff the hospital gift shop at the hospital. The gift shop funds support hospital programs, services and equipment.
The most recent purchase includes a 3D/4D ultrasound machine and a special scale for disabled patients in the clinics.
The Auxiliary has also contributed to the hospital’s 3D mammography machine, anesthesia machines for surgery, an ultrasound for cardiology and patient lounge area furniture.
Other Auxiliary opportunities include greeting patients at the information desk (Tuesday mornings), or volunteering in the Emergency Department or Family Birth Center.
In the month of March alone, the Auxiliary’s 20 volunteers contributed more than 540 hours.
Volunteers must be over the age of 18 and be willing to commit to at least one year of service.
To apply, or for more information, please contact Morgen Jarus at 707-262-5121 or
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
“It’s hard to argue with a proposal that gets people into the most integrated community settings possible while saving the state millions of dollars,” Sen. Dodd said. “This bill will return long-term nursing home residents back to their communities, allowing them to age in place. At the same time, because it is so much more efficient to care for someone at home, the bill saves money.”
Senate Bill 214 would establish the Community Living with Choice, Independence and Dignity Act of 2019. It allows the existing California Community Transitions program, to continue if federal funding expires in September 2020.
The program started in 2007 has successfully transitioned 3,629 from institutional settings, for an average annual savings of $60,000 per person.
The bill would direct the state Department of Health Care Services to continue the program with federal matching funds, if available. It would also authorize the use of state money and require the department to seek partnerships with local jurisdictions to secure complementary funding.
The bill is co-sponsored by Disability Rights California and East Bay Innovations.
“We’re appreciative of Sen. Dodd’s leadership in authoring this bill so we can continue to provide these important services,” East Bay Innovations’ executive director Tom Heinz said. “California Community Transitions opens up the world again for people who have been trapped in institutionalized settings so they can return to a life of dignity and choice.”
Sen. Dodd represents California’s Third Senate District, which includes all or portions of Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Yolo, Sacramento, and Contra Costa counties. Visit his Web site at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd .
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