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PA Department of Health Identifies Community Health Net as “Best-in-Class Equity Performer”

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COVID-19 vaccinations on par or in greater proportions to county racial/ethnic minority.

Erie, Pa. – April 28, 2021 – Community Health Net (CHN), the leading Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the Lake Erie region, announced it was named “Best-in-Class Equity Performer” by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.  The designation, issued by Parker Beene, Executive Advisor, Secretary of Health,  states that CHN facilities are vaccinating on par or in greater proportions to Erie County’s racial/ethnic minority populations.  The conclusion is an affirmation of Community Health Net’s efforts to distribute doses of the COVID-19 vaccine throughout the region equitably.

“This recognition is aligned with our mission to improve the quality of life in our region by providing professional healthcare services with compassion, respect, and dignity to all,“ said Craig Ulmer, CEO of Community Health Net.  “It highlights the success, tremendous work, and positive impact of distributing vaccines equitably to our community by the CHN team during this public health crisis.“

To distribute its Moderna supply equitably, Community Health Net focused on reaching out to minority populations through dialogue and engagement with community leaders and influencers.  The health center also used targeted efforts through flyers, mailings, and other media channels to inform individuals while providing easy access to online registration for the vaccine.  Additionally, CHN maintained open communication channels with state and federal agencies while providing consistent availability to community members throughout the crisis.

“We are proud of Community Health Net and excited by this designation and what it means for the people of Erie.  It is a testimonial to the resolve of our health centers to help ensure equitable health outcomes for all of our communities,” said Cheri Rinehart, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers.  The organization is the state primary care association (PCA) for community health centers, serving more than 900,000 patients annually at 300-plus sites in underserved rural and urban areas. “This finding is reflective of our commitment to provide affordable, quality health care for all by supporting the largest network of primary health care providers in the commonwealth.”

Get Active

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If you feel stress or anxiety during the COVID-19 health crisis, you’re not alone. Staying active during this time may improve both your mood and your physical health. And when you find the right exercise, it can be fun. For many people, being active can reduce stress, blood pressure and improve sleep. You may want to start by walking for just 10 minutes. Try walking around the block every morning or take a stroll during your lunch break.

Staying Active at Home During the Pandemic

  • If you have kids, involve them in activities. Have a dance party, play chase, or jump rope. Be silly with kids. They’ll love it.
  • Do relaxation and flexibility exercises like yoga or Pilates.
  • Try an exercise routine that uses your body weight as resistance. Pushups, crunches, and squats are examples of this kind of exercise. Many routines are available for free online.
  • Find creative ways to be active. Walk around during TV commercial breaks, read standing up, or make a standing desk. Daily routines like cooking, cleaning, and gardening can get you moving.

Living through a pandemic can take a toll on a person’s motivation. Remember that there are many ways to stay safe during this time while remaining active. Make a plan. Invite some of your friends to get active with you!

Do the COVID vaccines use a live virus?

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“So, the vaccine, it’s not a live virus. This not something that’s going to give you COVID, this is something that’s going to hopefully help your immune system to get ready, to be able to fight. Oh, we’ve seen you before let’s fight. And hopefully in that scenario, your immunity would have built up so much so that you will be able to fight off what just came in and then you may never even have the symptom. Or if you do have the symptom, hopefully recover quicker without having to end up at a hospital on an ICU bed.”

Why do we need a COVID vaccine?

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“We can’t just sit back and watch people be infected and not try to do anything about it. And, it’s not just the deaths from coronavirus. You know, we have some longer-term follow-up studies that are coming out, showing us that six months later people continue to have really serious symptoms. You know, their lungs continue to be affected, their brains continue to be affected, their hearts continue to be affected. And you know, that’s just a level of devastation that I don’t think we want to, you know, allow ourselves to have to experience. I think a vaccine is just a much preferable way as a society for us to get through this.”

We Want to Ease Your Mind about the J&J Vaccine Pause with Facts.

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With the pause of the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine – we want to ease your mind a bit with some facts around the pause:

  •  6 people out of 6.8 million who received the J&J vaccine developed a blood clot.
  • All were women who developed blood clots.
  • 1 woman died from it.
  • In all the women, the blood clots developed 6 to 13 days after receiving the vaccine.
  • Signs of developing a clot are severe headache, pain in your abdomen or legs, shortness of breath.
  • If you develop any of the above signs within 3 weeks after receiving a J&J vaccine, see your doctor immediately and inform him or her that you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
  • Your doctor needs to know you received the J&J vaccine because if you do have a blood clot, your doctor will treat it differently than other clots.
  • Do NOT hesitate to see your doctor or go to the ER, regardless if your female or male.

For more information, visit the CDC website.

Community Health Net Receives Over $2.6mm in Federal Funds

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The funding was distributed to health centers under the American Rescue Plan Act.

Erie, Pa. – April 12, 2021 – Community Health Net (CHN), the leading Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the Lake Erie region, announced it had received $2,601,625 in federal funds under the American Rescue Plan Act.  The funds, distributed by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), are part of a $6 billion investment in the country’s 1,377 community health centers nationwide by the Biden Administration.  An estimated $157,607,000 was distributed to support Pennsylvania’s 42 health centers.

“The Administration’s intent in providing this funding to health centers was to help increase access and confidence in COVID-19 vaccines by empowering local, trusted health professionals,“ said Craig Ulmer, CEO of Community Health Net.  “We are genuinely excited to receive this investment and put it to work to help the people of Erie and the place we love and call home.”

Community Health Net will use the money to support and expand COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and treatment for vulnerable populations, while delivering needed preventive and primary health care services to those at higher risk for COVID-19.  The funds will expand the organization’s operational capacity during the pandemic and beyond, including modifying and improving physical infrastructure.

“Our patients remain our priority.  And COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and treatment for underserved urban and rural populations in the region will continue to take precedence,” said Ulmer.  “As we look to the future, we will rely on our strategic plan as our compass, as we endeavor to make Erie a healthy and vibrant community.”

The media is invited to contact Community Heath Net for comment. 814.454.4530 x227

About Community Health Net
Community Health Net is the preeminent, community-focused healthcare network that advances the wellness of the region.  Our mission is to improve our region’s quality of life by providing professional healthcare services with compassion, respect, and dignity to all. We are a Federally Qualified Health Center with seven locations serving the Lake Erie region for over 35 years.

Acknowledgment

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $2,601,625 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.  For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.

Aetna Better Health Donates Vehicle to Community Health Net During Special Reveal at Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel

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Erie, Pa. – April 9, 2021 – Community Health Net (CHN), the leading Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the Lake Erie region, announced the unveiling of a new vehicle donated and wrapped to reflect Erie’s culture and vitality by Aetna Better Health, the Medicaid managed care business of Aetna, a CVS Health company.  The van will provide transportation for area patients of the FQHC.  Leaders of CHN held a small, pandemic-safe, in-person event on Friday, April 9, at 3 pm, at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, under the portico to commemorate the reveal.

 

“We are genuinely excited to receive this vehicle from a trusted partner who understands the need to mitigate barriers to quality healthcare for our patient population,“ said Craig Ulmer, CEO of Community Health Net.  “This vehicle is proof that Aetna Better Health is vested in Erie’s vitality, health, and well-being.  We share the same vision, and we look forward to using this means of patient transport to enhance a person’s total care experience.”

Each year, hundreds of people in Erie County do not obtain medical care due to transportation issues. Challenges such as these affect rural and urban areas resulting in missed or delayed health care appointments, increased health expenditures, and overall poorer health in communities. The lack of access to quality health care services is one of the five social determinants of health domains that affect a wide range of quality of life risks. Providing no-cost transportation to patients removes a critical barrier to enhance health outcomes.

“Aetna Better Health is committed to addressing inequities and improving health outcomes for our members and the communities we serve,” said Mary Kathryn Tronco, Director of Community Development, Aetna Better Health. “Donating this patient van helps remove barriers to care and makes access easier for those in need. Working with Community Health Net to provide no-cost transportation goes a long way toward achieving our common goal of being a part of the solution to create a healthier community.”

Community Health Net will use the van to provide transportation services throughout the region, using a concierge driver.  The driver will assist patients with questions about hours of operations at CHN facilities and drop-off and pickup times.  Placards in the vehicle will provide monthly health tips that the passenger can follow.

The media is invited to contact Community Heath Net for comment. 814.454.4530 x227

About Community Health Net
Community Health Net is the preeminent, community-focused healthcare network that advances the wellness of the region.  Our mission is to improve our region’s quality of life by providing professional healthcare services with compassion, respect, and dignity to all. We are a Federally Qualified Health Center with seven locations serving the Lake Erie region for over 35 years.

About Aetna Medicaid

Aetna Medicaid Administrators LLC (Aetna Medicaid), a CVS Health company, has over 30 years of experience managing the care of the most medically vulnerable, using innovative approaches and a local presence in each market to achieve both successful health care results and effective cost outcomes. Aetna Medicaid has particular expertise serving high-need Medicaid members, including those who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. Currently, Aetna Medicaid owns and/or administers Medicaid-managed health care plans under the names of Aetna Better Health and other affiliate names. Together, these plans serve approximately 2.7 million people in 16 states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Texas. For more information, see www.aetnabetterhealth.com

Pennie Extends COVID-19 Enrollment Period to August 15

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Uninsured Pennsylvanians or those affected by COVID-19 can visit pennie.com and enroll in a plan through August 15   

Harrisburg, PA – March 25, 2021 – On March 25, the Pennie Board of Directors unanimously voted to extend the current COVID-19 Enrollment Period to August 15, 2021, aligning with the federal extension which was announced earlier this week. Pennie is committed to providing ample time and opportunity for Pennsylvanians to access quality health coverage and financial assistance.

Pennie is currently working to implement and make a reality the significant and exciting savings provided through the American Rescue Plan. These savings will increase financial assistance to those who currently receive it and will ensure no one will be paying more than 8.5 percent of their income on premiums through Pennie for the next two years. An extended enrollment period will give individuals more time to enroll in health coverage and take advantage of the new opportunities for financial assistance once they are implemented. Pennie is committed to providing tangible relief for those who are struggling with the pandemic and its economic repercussions and feels it is necessary to provide an extension of the COVID-19 Enrollment Period to ensure accessible and affordable coverage is an option to all Pennsylvanians during this public health emergency.

Another piece of the American Rescue Plan is providing more generous assistance to those who lost their jobs but want to remain on their employer health insurance plans through COBRA. Currently, those laid-off workers have to pay the full cost of that coverage but under the American Rescue Plan, they will pay no premiums for this coverage from April through September. Following September, Pennie encourages anyone on COBRA to consider switching over to Pennie for their low-cost or no-cost premiums. Pennie will be adding this transition as a qualifying life event for customers to enroll through a Special Enrollment Period.

Pennie is the only source for financial assistance to help with the cost of coverage and care and can also link customers to free certified experts to assist with the application or plan selection process. Pennie encourages anyone who has found themselves uninsured and is seeking coverage, to visit pennie.com to learn more or to call Pennie customer care at 1-844-844-8040 before August 15.

About Pennie
Pennie is Pennsylvania’s state-affiliated health insurance marketplace created to reduce costs and better support the needs of customers purchasing health coverage. For more information, visit pennie.com or follow us on social at //fb.com/PenniePA and //Twitter.com/PennieOfficial.

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month

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Excessive alcohol use is responsible for approximately 95,000 deaths in the United States each year. This month, let’s increase the awareness of alcohol abuse.

 

Get the Facts.

  • People who drink alcohol are more likely to have job performance issues.
  • Drinking too much alcohol may cause health problems, such as:
    • high blood pressure
    • brain, liver, heart, nervous system problems
    • cancer
    • learning and memory problems, including dementia
    • mental health problems, including depression and anxiety

Take Action.

  • Identify your reasons. Make a list of the reasons you want to cut down on or stop drinking alcohol. You might want to ask a trusted friend or family member to help you make a complete list.
  • Make a plan. Set a date to stop drinking. Post the list in places where you can see it often.
  • Avoid stumbling blocks. Many things can interfere with meeting your goal to cut down on or stop drinking. If your current life revolves around alcohol use, you might need to choose new friends or a new lifestyle.
  • Reward yourself. Use the money that you are no longer spending on drinking to do something fun with your family or friends. Go out to eat, see a movie, or play sports or a game.

Getting Help

  • Some people can stop drinking on their own; others need medical help to manage the physical withdrawal process.
  • Many people attend self-help groups to help them stick to their plan to cut down or stop drinking. If you are not sure whether a self-help group is for you but would like to try, go to a group at least 3 times before you make your decision.
  • If you drank after successfully stopping (relapse), it does not mean that you have failed. Relapse is common. Begin again, using your experience to help you learn how to stick with your plan this time.
  • Alcoholism is a disease. Never feel ashamed for getting help.

 

Call Community Health Net to schedule an appointment with a provider today: (814) 455-7222. Or visit www.communityhealthnet.org for more information.

Our health information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist the public to learn more about their health. Community Health Net providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Health Facts is a public service partnership of Community Health Net and CF Cares of Country Fair Stores, Inc.

2021 Special Enrollment Period Access Extended to August 15, 2021

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On March 23, 2021, President Biden announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is extending access to the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) until August 15 – giving consumers additional time to take advantage of new savings through the American Rescue Plan. This action provides new and current enrollees an additional three months to enroll or re-evaluate their coverage needs with increased tax credits available to reduce premiums.

“Every American deserves access to quality, affordable health care – especially as we fight back against the COVID-19 pandemic,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Through this Special Enrollment Period, the Biden Administration is giving the American people the chance they need to find an affordable health care plan that works for them. The American Rescue Plan will bring costs down for millions of Americans, and I encourage consumers to visit HealthCare.gov and sign up for a plan before August 15.”

  • To read the HHS press release, visit: HHS Press Release
  • To view the extended opportunity SEP fact sheet, visit: Extended Opportunity 2021 SEP Fact Sheet
  • See the updated technical guidance on the SEP at: SEP Technical Guidance
  • For FAQs on the 2021 SEP and the American Rescue Plan visit: SEP and ARP FAQs

 

Maria Calderon

Marketplace Navigator

Community Health Net

mcruz@community-healthnet.com

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