Quarterly meeting
The Enrollee Advisory Council, who are Hennepin Health members, met on February 17. Members received an update on COVID-19 from Dr. Nathaniel Scott, Chief Medical Officer. They also discussed the reopening of the Member Walk-In Service Center and dental utilization by members. Members then participated in a focused group discussion of their experience as council members.
2022-2023 EAC election
Candidates for the EAC were solicited in January and February for the 2022-2023 term. Members voted for their candidates online in March. The election for 2022-2023 council members ended March 28. The new council meets in May.
The following members were elected to the council:
Albert Gikenyi
Barlee Gbala
Cesar Perez
Christopher Walsh
Ephrem Asfaw
Eula Davis
Fintan Hyacinthe
Grace Ukpo
Gregory (Greg) Smalley
Herb Bailey
Pauline Smith
Rahimah Rashad
Randy Flowers |
Holly Jackson
Irene Njoroge
James Moore
Jimmie Bishop
Joshua Pearson
Michael Culhane
Michael Milbrandt
Mustafa Yusuf
Ochongi Ojullo
Patrick Epstein
Thuy Nguyen
Tommy White |
The EAC gives feedback on overall health care issues and new Hennepin Health programs. Group feedback reflects the priorities and interests of members. If you have questions about the EAC, contact Member Services at 612-596-1036 (TTY 711 or 800-627-3529).
Good dental health starts early in a child’s life and influences the future health of their teeth. Even before birth, dental care is important for your baby.
Helpful behaviors
Good dental health for babies starts with a healthy pregnancy. Pregnant mothers should eat a balanced, nutritious diet with lots of vitamins and minerals.
After birth, you can do the following:
- Feed your baby healthy and nutritious foods.
- Prevent tooth decay by using a separate fork or spoon for your baby. Sharing other people’s eating utensils may lead to tooth decay.
- Remove the bottle before the baby sleeps so that juice or other sugary beverages do not sit in their mouth. This can help prevent tooth decay.
- Keep your baby away from tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke). Tobacco smoke may contribute to the development of tooth decay and gum disease.
Read more about infant dental health and other children’s dental health topics at Hennepin Health Healthwise® Knowledgebase: www.healthwise.net/hennepin.
Call Member Services at 612-596-1036 (TTY 711 or 800-627-3529) to schedule a dental exam for you or your child.
Members can get at-home COVID-19 tests with no out-of-pocket cost. Here are two ways that you can get a free at-home test:
1. Order a free test from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) or U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). MDH is offering at-home COVID-19 PCR tests and HHS is offering at-home COVID-19 rapid tests. Simply order the test(s) and it will be delivered right to your mailbox. Rapid tests can be completed at home with quick test results. For PCR tests, complete the test at home and send it back for processing.
2. Get a test from your pharmacy.
- Visit a Hennepin Health network pharmacy. A list of pharmacies is on our website. We recommend calling ahead to check if the pharmacy has at-home tests available.
- Pick up an FDA-approved, at-home COVID-19 test.
- Bring it to the pharmacy counter and show your member ID to complete the process.
Members cannot be directly reimbursed for COVID-19 tests purchased over the counter. To avoid any cost to you, it is important to obtain your test kits through one of the ways outlined above.
If you have any questions, call Member Services at 612-596-1036 (TTY 711 or 800-627-3529).
The Autism Society marks April as Autism Acceptance Month to promote autism awareness and help those affected by autism achieve the highest quality of life possible.
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during early childhood and can impact how a person communicates and relates to others. Autism can be seen by a certain set of behaviors and affects each person differently. An early diagnosis helps a person receive the support and services they need, which can lead to a quality life filled with opportunity.
Check out these resources for families living with autism:
Hennepin Health offers members EIDBI services
Eligible Hennepin Health members receive Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) services. EIDBI services are medically necessary treatment to people under the age of 21 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or related conditions.
The EIDBI benefit will:
- Educate, train and support parents and families.
- Promote a person’s independence and participation in family, school and community life.
- Improve long-term outcomes and quality of life for people and their families.
Members are eligible if they:
- Have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or a related condition.
- Have had a comprehensive multi-disciplinary evaluation (CMDE) that establishes their medical need for EIDBI services.
- Are enrolled in Medical Assistance (MA) or MinnesotaCare.
- Are under age 21.
Millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) and Mental Health America join a national movement to raise awareness about mental health. NAMI’s message of “You Are Not Alone” recognizes that it is okay to not be okay. NAMI and other organizations want to get anyone affected by mental illness, including family members and caregivers, the appropriate support and quality of care to live a healthy, fulfilling life.
Mental health conditions include schizophrenia, PTSD, bipolar, borderline personality disorder, ADHD, OCD, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, suicide, addiction and others. In 2019, 20.6% (1 in 5) adults experienced mental illness. For U.S. youth aged 6-17, 1 in 6 experience a mental health disorder each year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-34.
It is critical to reduce the stigma around mental health struggles, because that stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help. Getting a diagnosis is an important first step. There is no “one size fits all” treatment; treatments vary by diagnosis and by person.
The following links connect you and your family to resources and information.
May is peak season for people with asthma and allergies. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) declares May to be National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month and a perfect time to learn more about these diseases.
More than 60 million Americans overall have asthma and allergies.
- About 25 million Americans have asthma (19 million adults and 6.2 million children).
- About 32 million Americans have food allergies (26 million adults and 6 million children).
- About 21 million Americans have hay fever, stuffy nose or nasal allergies (20 million adults and 5.6 million children).
Asthma is a serious lung disease that causes airways to become inflamed. Symptoms of asthma are coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness. Asthma rates are highest among African Americans and Puerto Ricans, boys under age 4, women over age 25, and people living below the poverty line.
Allergies are common chronic diseases where the body’s immune system overacts to materials called allergens. Allergens can be a food, insect, drug, pet, pollen, mold or latex. Common allergy symptoms make you uncomfortable – watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, a rash or hives. Serious symptoms, like trouble breathing or swelling in your mouth, may be a life-threatening reaction.
People with asthma or allergies can manage their conditions and prevent life-threatening medical emergencies. Ways to manage include avoiding triggers, taking medications and treatment.
Learn more about asthma and allergies with these resources:
Skin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer. More than 5 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year.
There are several different types of skin cancer including melanoma, basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancer. Melanoma is less common than some other types of skin cancer, but it is more likely to grow and spread.
Some facts about skin cancer:
- Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays in as little as 15 minutes.
- Even if it is cool and cloudy, you still need protection. UV rays, not the temperature, do the damage.
- Anyone can get skin cancer. Melanoma is more common in men than women and among people of fair complexions.
- The most common signs of skin cancer are changes on your skin such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal or a change in a mole.
- Treatment is available and depends on the type of skin cancer.
What you can do
To lower your skin cancer risk, protect your skin from the sun and avoid indoor tanning.
- Stay in the shade, especially during late morning through mid-afternoon.
- If you can’t stay in the shade, wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants to protect your skin.
- Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating or toweling off.
Get informed
For more information, click on these links:
The Hennepin Health Healthwise Knowledgebase online health tool has lots of information to help you learn about health conditions and how to treat them.
Some topics you can research include:
- Primary immunodeficiency – April is National Primary Immunodeficiency Awareness Month. Primary immunodeficiencies (PI) are rare, chronic disorders where the body’s immune system is missing or functions improperly. People with PI are more likely to get infections. Proper medical care and treatment helps those with PI live healthy, independent lives.
- High blood pressure – May is National Blood Pressure Month. Because high blood pressure shows either minor or no symptoms, it has earned the nickname “the silent killer.” Knowing if you have high blood pressure and taking action greatly reduces the possible risks of related health problems.
- Strong bones – May is National Osteoporosis Month. Keep your bones strong and healthy by exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol.
- Hepatitis – May is Hepatitis Awareness Month. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and is often caused by a virus. Some forms can be diagnosed with a simple blood test or treated with a vaccine.
Learn more in English or Spanish at www.healthwise.net/hennepin.
Eligible Hennepin Health members can get a ride to and from health care appointments.
- For medical and dental appointments
- For physical therapy appointments
- For mental/behavioral health and chemical dependency appointments
- For occupational therapy, acupuncture or chiropractic appointments
- To pick up your prescription at a pharmacy
Call us at 612-596-1036 (TTY 711 or 800-627-3529), Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Call three days before you need transportation for best service.
For the latest news, stories and updates about keeping you healthy, go to facebook.com/hennepinhealth.
- Follow us
- Like your favorite posts
- Share with friends and family
DHS approved 5/4/2022 ID# MC-1308-MC
Language and civil rights notices
|
