Participants must register and have an appointment to get vaccinated
RIVERSIDE, CA— Riverside County residents who qualify are being encouraged to make an appointment to get their COVID-19 vaccination by signing up through the Riverside University Health System-Public Health website.
Hundreds of appointments are available through Friday at the four county-run clinics and those operated by Curative and OptumServe in Riverside County. Those within Phases 1A and 1B are eligible, including residents 65 years of age and older and those with underlying health conditions. Vaccine eligibility is based on the state’s rollout tiers.
“The supply of vaccine has increased and that allows us to provide more vaccination appointments,” said Kim Saruwatari, director of Public Health for Riverside County. “This is a great opportunity for those who have been waiting to get vaccinated. It is quick and easy – both making the appointment and actually getting vaccinated.”
Among the job categories eligible are healthcare workers; long-term care residents; agriculture and food workers; educators and childcare workers; emergency services workers, transportation workers, utility workers and janitors. The state recently expanded the vaccination eligibility to include those at higher risk for COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions. The underlying health conditions include cancer, Down syndrome, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, chronic pulmonary disease, pregnancy, severe obesity and heart conditions.
“We are encouraged to see that more vaccine is being sent to Riverside County for our many residents who have patiently waited to get their shot,” said Board Chair Karen Spiegel, Second District Supervisor.
More than 800,000 doses – both first and second doses — have been administered to Riverside County residents through the county-run clinics and those operated by the nearly 200 community providers.
To make an appointment or to see a list of eligible jobs categories and underlying health conditions that qualify, click www.rivcoph.org/covid-19-vaccine. Those who need assistance to make an appointment can call 2-1-1.
More money for more people equals more and better health insurance coverage for millions of Californians and consumers nationwide — especially vital during this age of COVID-19.
That’s the upshot of President Joe Biden’s recently passed $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, with health care provisions containing new and expanded financial help to benefit an estimated 3 million Californians, among the 25 million Americans who qualify. The new financial help will greatly reduce monthly health care costs, making health care coverage more affordable and generating savings of hundreds of dollars each month.
Covered California is poised to take a leadership role in ensuring that consumers take full advantage of this unique opportunity that expands the federal Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and reap the benefits of these new health care funds.
“The new and expanded financial help provided by the American Rescue Plan is a very big deal for millions of Americans,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. “These new subsidies will help more people get covered, lower health care premium costs and put money back into people’s pockets when they sign up for health coverage through the Affordable Care Act.”
Additionally, Covered California announced that its opening its doors to enroll as many uninsured people as possible into health plans between April and the end of December 2021, because of these American Rescue Plan’s health care provisions. Major efforts will also launch to recruit consumers who now have expensive health coverage outside of Covered California and haven’t been able to get financial help in the past.
Answers to some common questions about the new health care provisions in the American Rescue Plan are below.
Q. Who benefits from the American Rescue Plan’s health care provisions?
A. There are three key categories of Californians who can benefit from the new health care provisions in the American Rescue Plan. They are:
Individuals who are currently uninsured and are eligible for the new financial help through Covered California, with many qualifying for $1 dollar health plans.
Individuals who are currently have health coverage directly through an insurer outside of Covered California and are now eligible for financial help for the first time. These consumers may be able to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by switching to the same or similar health coverage through Covered California.
Individuals who are currently insured in Covered California health plans and are now eligible for more financial help.
An estimated 1.2 million currently uninsured Californians can get health coverage that is more affordable than ever before. The American Rescue Plan reduces consumers’ monthly health coverage costs so that no one will have to pay more than 8.5 percent of their household income on health care premiums.
The deals don’t stop there. About 1.4 million consumers who are already enrolled through Covered California will get even more financial assistance. These consumers will see their monthly premiums decrease by an average of $119 per household per month.
Another 430,000 Californians who are insured directly through a health insurance company and are not now getting financial help can see dramatic savings if they switch to Covered California health plans.
Q. When will the new financial help and savings be available?
A. Covered California is opening a new special-enrollment period on April 12 that runs through December 31, 2021, and consumers can see savings reflected on their monthly health care bills as soon as May 1 if they enroll by April 30.
Q. What do I need to do to get these savings?
A. Existing consumers in California do not need to take any action since Covered California will automatically apply the savings to their accounts. They will see lower health care bills starting in May.
Those who currently don’t have health coverage through Covered California can enroll through December 31, 2021 to benefit from this round of new financial help. This includes those consumers who currently are insured through an insurer outside of Covered California and are now eligible to get financial assistance for the first time and switch to more affordable plans.
Q. How long will my health care premium costs stay this low?
A. The reduced health care premiums under the American Rescue Plan will remain in place for all of 2021 and all of 2022, unless Congress extends or makes these provisions permanent.
Q. What are some other benefits of having Covered California health plans?
A. Covered California health plans cover all COVID-19 vaccinations and testing, as well as any medical treatment necessary due to COVID-19 at no charge or minimal co-payments.
In addition, all Covered California health plans must offer essential benefits under the Affordable Care Act that range from maternity care and hospitalizations to preventive and mental health care. Free preventive health care includes annual check ups with your doctor and screenings for diabetes, cancer, and high blood pressure.
Q. If you have low household income or no income at all, can you still get health coverage?
A. Yes, you can enroll in quality health plans at no cost or very low cost through California’s Medi-Cal program, if you have lower incomes. Medi-Cal enrollment is year-round.
Q. How do you enroll in Covered California or Medi-Cal?
A. Covered California will launch a new “Shop and Compare” tool on April 12 on CoveredCA.com that will allow consumers to easily see exactly how they will benefit from the new law. People will be able to see how much new financial help they are eligible for in just a few minutes by entering their ZIP code, household income and the ages of the people in the household.
Those interested in learning more about their health coverage options can also:
PACIFIC OCEAN (March 8, 2021) – U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Dierdre Marsac, from San Bernardino, Calif., takes a photo aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) March 8, 2021. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.
May is Mental Health Month, and San Bernardino County’s Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is gearing up for its 17th Annual Evening with the Stars. DBH is inviting the community to nominate a deserving individual who has made a difference in the field of behavioral health. You may nominate yourself, staff members, colleagues, friends or agencies by 4 p.m. Friday, April 23, by filling out the form on www.westsidestorynewspaper.com.
Vaccinating our veterans, seniors and active military members has been an important goal of mine ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began. I’m excited to report that the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System has announced this week that enrolled veterans of ALL AGES can now get vaccinated.
VA Loma Linda has limited doses of the Johnson and Johnson Janssen vaccine, and is also receiving regular shipments of the Moderna vaccine. The brand of vaccines that Veterans will receive depends on supply at the time of appointment.
Call 909-825-7084 ext. 5085 to make an appointment. If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, call 909-825-7084 ext. 4225.
A congratulations goes out to Hesperia Police Department’s Deputy Clarence Harris on his Sheriff’s Lifesaving Award. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department recently honored Deputy Harris for his outstanding work during his response to an assault with a deadly weapon. When Deputy Harris arrived on the scene, “he found a man suffering from a gunshot wound and bleeding profusely from his thigh. Harris applied a tourniquet to the leg and successfully slowed the bleeding. Medical personnel arrived, and the man was flown to the hospital.” Thank you, Deputy Harris, for your quick thinking and service to our community. It is much appreciated!
Ada Mae Garth was born on January 30,1934 the 4th Child of 15, to the late Charlie Lewis Wilson and the late Carrie Sturdivant Wilson in Dadeville, Alabama. Ada lived in the Dadeville and Birmingham, Alabama location until her marriage to the late Jervis Leon Garth, Sr. in 1952, in which the military afforded them to travel and live in many states abroad until they moved to San Bernardino, CA.
Ada was a resident of San Bernardino, CA location for over 55 years. She was known for her kindness, generosity, and infectious Smile. Her home was a revolving door of Love. She treated everyone’s child that entered her home as though they were her own. The love of the Lord shined thru her.
Ada departed this side of life on February 19, 2021. She leaves behind to cherish her precious memories, 5 daughters and 2 Sons: Kathleen Washington, Rialto, CA; Ernestine Archie; Jervis Garth Jr, Birmingham Alabama; Louise (Glenn) McMillon, Stockton, CA; Edward (Althea) Abdullah, Atlanta, GA; Caroline Garth, San Bernardino, CA, Helen Garth, Stockton, CA.; (Bernadette, Abdullah, Seattle, Washington), 4 surviving siblings; Charles Wilson of Montgomery, Alabama; Geraldine Wilson, Lagrange, Georgia; Donald (Alma) Wilson, Birmingham, Ala; Connie (Harold) Brown, Pinson, Ala; a host of 1, 2, 3 and 4 generation grandkids, nieces and nephews. She will truly be missed and not forgotten.
Viewing and Service at The Community Memorial Chapel 738 E Highland Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92404. Viewing April 20, 2021 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Service April 21, 2021 11:00 am. Interment immediately following at Montecito Memorial Park.
San Bernardino County Museum will reopen to the public on Thursday, March 18, featuring the exhibit, “Here Comes the Sun: Solar Science and Spirituality.” The exhibit features dramatic, large scale footage from NASA’s Solar Dynamic Observatory. Temporarily modified hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m.Tuesday-Sunday.
The museum is also seeking artists and musicians to participate in their virtual exhibit, “Inside the Lines: Voices of the Civil Rights Movement.” Residents are invited to post their art or music online using the hashtag #SBCMCallAndResponse or #VVMCallAndResponse for an opportunity to be highlighted on the museum’s social media platforms. Submissions can also be received via email at museum@sbcounty.gov.
Below you will find the City of San Bernardino employment opportunities list for the week of March 15, 2021. If you are interested in advancing your career or if you know someone that may be interested in joining the City of San Bernardino, we invite you to take a closer look at our employment opportunities. For more information please visit the City’s website at www.sbcity.org/jobs or call 909-384-5104. For a complete list of job requirements and to apply visit www.sbcity.org/jobs or call 909-384-5104.
MORENO VALLEY, CA—– In the blink of an eye, it has been a year since Shango Moreno Valley first opened its doors to cannabis lovers throughout the Inland Empire. Not even a pandemic stopped the multi-state cannabis company from growing a large and loyal customer base. To celebrate the dispensary’s success, Shango will be hosting a two-day birthday party on Saturday, March 20, and Sunday, March 21.
“Over our first year, we were able to build hundreds of quality friendships with our customers and now we’re going to reward them for their loyalty,” says Shango Controller Julie Dubocq. “It’s time to party.”
Highlights include food trucks, giveaways and specials on flower, vapes and edibles galore to light up the weekend of fun.
On Saturday and Sunday, the Good Times Ice Cream truck will be on hand from noon to 3 p.m., followed by the TK Burgers Truck for the dinner rush between 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Prize raffles for the day include products from Puffco, Huni Badger and more. Patrons get a free raffle ticket with every purchase.
Over both days, 29 items will feature discount prices or be offered for $1 with purchase of two of the same item.
Shango is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is located at 11875 Pigeon Pass Road, STE C-1, in Moreno Valley, CA 92557. Call 1-866-4SHANGO for more information.
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