Covered California and CCHP co-host community health fair in Bayview to connect 2 minority communities

(SAN FRANCISCO) Covered California was in partnership with Chinese Community Health Plan (CCHP) hosting a Community Health Fair on December 9 in Bayview to reach out to two largest minorities in the neighborhood, the African and Asian communities.

Community members were reminded that the annual open enrollment for affordable healthcare has been ongoing until January 31 next year.

It was the first time for CCHP to hold a community health fair for the Bayview community. With more Chinese and Asian immigrants moving in the southeast districts, including Bayview, Visitacion Valley, and Portola neighborhoods, in the last several decades, African and Asian Americans have become two largest ethnic and underserved communities in the area.

The health fair, held at the newly-opened Southeast Community Center, was titled "Bridging the Gap, For Everyone" which is the theme of Covered California's Open Enrollment initiative this year. The open enrollment period started on November 1 and will end on January 31, 2024.

Free flu shots and health screenings, blood pressure, BMI, bone density, glucose, and Hep-B tests, were provided at the health fair.

"CCHP also invites other organizations to join the health fair to let the community members know more of our services to promote health for everyone," said Larry Loo, CEO of CCHP.

CCHP has been selected as one of the affordable health plans in the marketplace since Covered California began its service 10 years ago. "CCHP is the only health plan in Covered California headquartered in San Francisco," Loo said.

The cost for healthcare has been increasing every year and people are worried about the cost for joining the health plans.

"Although the cost for health care is going up, more federal dollars are put into the programs. There are choices for people to choose their health health plans in need," Loo said.

Dr. Monica Soni, Covered California Chief Medical Officer, attended the health fair and encouraged all-aged individuals to sign up for health plans through Covered California.

"Preventive screening services are free under the health plans. Younger people who are mostly healthier are entitled to have free preventative screening services through their health plans," Dr. Soni said.

"Each patient is different. It is good for everyone to keep in touch with their doctors and schedule screening tests every year, since most of the preventive screenings are free," said Dr. Scott Huang, Medical Director of Chinese Hospital and family practice.

Dr. Soni encouraged Californians to enroll by December 31 to ensure healthcare coverage starting January 1, 2024. Another deadline for health care coverage for 2024 is January 31, 2024. More details can be found at www.CoveredCA.com.