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The Enrollee Advisory Council, who are Hennepin Health members, met at their quarterly meeting on February 16. Members discussed the following topics:
- Office of Multi-Cultural Services – presentation by Jillian Kyles and Liana Baindurashvili
- Community Outreach events
- Community health updates – the latest from Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nathan Scott
- Strategic planning updates
- Return of member renewals for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare
- Rewards program – get a free car seat or earn gift cards for healthy actions
The EAC gives feedback on overall health care issues, new programs and changes in procedures. Group feedback reflects the priorities and interests of members. The next EAC meeting is in May.
If you have questions about the EAC, call us at 612-596-1036 (800-627-3529), TTY 711.
Fluoride varnish helps prevent cavities in adults and children, including infants. For children, early use of fluoride varnish can have long-lasting positive effects on dental health. One-third of cavities can be prevented in baby teeth through the application of fluoride varnish. Cavities can cause severe pain to children and can affect speech, eating, sleeping, learning and playing.
Fluoride varnish can be applied at a doctor clinic, WIC site or dental office. Make preventive dental visits a part of your child’s wellness routine. Preventive dental visits include dental cleanings, dental sealants and fluoride finish – important ways to prevent cavities.
To find a dentist or make an appointment for yourself or your child, call Delta Dental at 651-348-3233 (866-298-5549), Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Members can receive a $25 gift card for having an annual dental visit with a network dentist. To learn more visit hennepinhealth.org/members/rewards-programs
Read more about dental health at Hennepin Health Healthwise® Knowledgebase: www.healthwise.net/hennepin.
Did you know that eligible members can get a free car seat/booster or breast pump? Members who are at least 28 weeks pregnant, or children ages 0-8 are eligible for car seats.
Our vendor for car seats and breast pumps is Everyday Miracles. Car seats are delivered by a certified car seat technician who will install your car seat and show you how to use it. To receive a car seat or breast pump from Everyday Miracles, please visit https://www.everyday-miracles.org/requests and have your Hennepin Health insurance information ready.
If you are a NorthPoint Health & Wellness patient, you can receive your car seats at NorthPoint. Car seats and education are distributed on site at NorthPoint. Call NorthPoint at 612-543-2500.
Members can get rewarded for staying up-to-date with your health care. Take action for better health and get a gift card for your wallet.
We have boosted our rewards program with the following additions:
- The diabetic eye exam gift card amount was raised from $25 to $50.
- The mammogram screening age range was changed from 50-74 to 40-74.
- Members can earn $25 gift cards for more Child & Teen Checkup visits.
- New: Members (age 45-75) can earn a $50 gift card for completing a colorectal cancer screening.
- New: Members can earn a $25 gift card for completing one meningococcal vaccine (MCV), one Tdap vaccine and two HPV vaccines before their 13th
- New: Members can earn a $25 gift card for completing the early childhood immunizations listed on the voucher.
To see all of the healthy actions you can take to earn a gift card, visit the Rewards program webpage at hennepinhealth.org/members/rewards-programs.
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Housing stabilization services is a benefit for PMAP or SNBC members to help people find and keep housing.
You are eligible if you:
- Are 18 years or older.
- Have a documented disability or disabling condition and require assistance with communication, mobility, decision-making or managing challenging behaviors.
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- Are experiencing homelessness or are at risk for homelessness. Are currently moving from a licensed institution to the community or are at risk of institutionalization and/or are eligible for the following waivers: Brain injury (BI), community access for disability inclusion (CADI), community alternative care (CAC), developmental disability (DD), elderly waiver (EW).
Services include:
- Housing consultation. Your worker develops a plan with you to learn what you want out of housing, your strengths and any potential barriers. They help you advocate for yourself as you search for the housing that works for you.
- Housing transition. This service helps you plan for, find and move to a home in the community.
- A worker can help you complete applications, explore housing preferences, organize your move, and help you find funding for deposits.
- Housing transition does NOT cover things like rent payments, furnishings, deposits or utilities.
- Housing sustaining. Helps you maintain living in your home in the community.
- A worker can:
- Provide coaching to develop and maintain key relationships with property managers and neighbors.
- Help advocate with community resources to prevent eviction when housing is at risk.
- Help with housing recertification processes.
If you have any questions, call Member Services at 612-596-1036 (TTY 711).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Minnesota received a waiver from the federal government to temporarily provide extra Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits known as Emergency SNAP, or E-SNAP. The temporary increase boosted households’ monthly benefit to the maximum allowed for their household size – or, if they were already getting the maximum amount, households received an additional $95 each month.
Federal officials declared the end of COVID Emergency SNAP allotments. Most households got their last Emergency SNAP payment in March and benefits returned to the standard amount in April.
If you need food help, try these resources:
Find more information at mn.gov/dhs/snap-changes/end-of-e-snap.
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.
Hennepin Health Healthwise® Knowledgebase: healthwise.net/hennepin
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 26 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.
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Learn more about asthma and allergies with these resources:
Hennepin Health Healthwise Knowledgebase: healthwise.net/hennepin
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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:
Hennepin Health Healthwise Knowledgebase: healthwise.net/hennepin
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:
- 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 healthwise.net/hennepin.
Eligible Hennepin Health members can get a ride to and from health care appointments.
- For medical and dental appointments or services (example: glasses, medical equipment).
- For physical therapy, mental health and chemical dependency appointments.
- For mental health and chemical dependency appointments.
- For occupational therapy, acupuncture or chiropractic appointments.
- For appointments with social navigators or care guides.
- For health club or Touchstone Fitness Center visits.
- To pick up your prescription at a pharmacy.
Call us at 612-596-1036 (TTY 711), Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Call three days before you need transportation for best service.
DHS approved 5/16/2023 ID# MC-1445-MC
Language and civil rights notices
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