Breanna Reeves
In partnership with San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) and the California Community Colleges system, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) introduced a new program, IEHP College Care, that will allow at Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College students to access low-cost health care.
”Our new partnership with Inland Empire Health Plan is a common-sense investment that benefits everyone,” stated Dr. Diana Z. Rodriguez, chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District, in a press release.
“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.”
This partnership, recognized as the IEHP Equitable Support Demonstration Project, is the first of its kind and will serve as a pilot program for other counties across the state. This program links eligibility for CalFresh food benefits with Medi-Cal or Covered California health coverage so students have access to health care and healthy food options.
SBCCD was significant as the blueprint to launch the program after research found many students attending its two campuses — San Bernardino Valley College in San Bernardino and Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa — self-identify as low-income.
“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,” stated Thomas Pham, IEHP’s vice president of strategy, in a statement. “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.”
The district serves 20,000 students at both Valley College and Crafton Hills and nearly eight out of 10 students pay zero tuition fees through need-based financial aid.
The initiative is part of several projects identified from the California Community Colleges’ Vision 2030: A Roadmap for Community Colleges, a multi-year strategic plan that outlines ways to improve future community college programming and services.
With the introduction of the program, IEHP and SBCCD will implement strategies to help integrate Medi-Cal and IEHP coverage into each school’s existing enrollment process to make participation in the program easier for students. This will include on-site registration events and additional services and support through IEHP Enrollment Services.