What is valley fever? Valley fever (also called coccidioidomycosis or cocci) is a disease caused by the Coccidioides fungus that grows in the soil and dirt in some areas of California and the Southwestern United States. This fungus can infect the lungs and cause respiratory symptoms, including cough, difficulty breathing, fever, and tiredness or fatigue. In rare cases, the valley fever fungus can spread to other parts of the body and cause severe disease—this type of valley fever is less common and is called disseminated valley fever. Valley fever can be serious and even fatal. In California, the number of reported valley fever cases has greatly increased in recent years. From 2018–2022, there were between 7,000 and 9,000 cases reported each year. Most cases of valley fever in California are reported from the Central Valley and Central Coast regions of the state. 2026 Open Enrollment is just around the corner! From Oct. 6 through Nov. 7, 2025, members will have the opportunity to review their health coverage, make plan changes, and update dependent information. This annual window is your chance to ensure that your benefits align with your needs for the coming year. Don’t miss out—mark your calendar and take action during this important period! See page 3 for details. How do you get valley fever? You can get valley fever by breathing in dust from outdoor air that contains spores of the Coccidioides fungus. Like seeds from a plant, a fungus grows and spreads from tiny spores that are too small to see. When soil or dirt is stirred up by strong winds or while digging, dust containing these fungus spores can get into the air. Anyone who lives, works or travels in an area where the valley fever fungus grows can breathe in these fungus spores from outdoor dust without knowing it and become infected. Valley fever is not contagious, meaning it cannot spread from one person or animal to another. Talk to a doctor about valley fever If you have questions about valley fever or think you may have it, talk to your health care provider. To get a full list of contracted providers, visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com or call the number on the back of your Kern Legacy Health Plans ID card. Source: California Department of Public Health FALL 2025 Kern Legacy Health Plans Valley fever is on the rise ... 2026 Open Enrollment: Oct. 6–Nov. 7, 2025
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. It causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling—usually in the hands, hips, back or knees. There is no cure for OA, but you can effectively manage it. OA is a disease that breaks down one or more joints in the body. Over time, it can lead to changes in bone, cartilage and other joint tissues, resulting in disability or making it hard for someone to do work or daily tasks. OA is common among adults 45 and older. But it is not a regular part of aging. There are things you can do to prevent or delay it. There are also things you can do to manage it, if you develop it. People with OA may experience a wide range of symptoms. These can include: ● Joint pain, especially when moving the joint. ● Stiffness after resting a joint. ● Swelling in and around the joint, especially after using it a lot. ● Feeling like the joint is loose or unstable. ● Less ability to move the joint. Certain things can increase your chances of developing OA. These include: Repetitive joint stress or injury. Injuring or overusing a joint can damage it and increase your risk of OA. Obesity. Extra weight can affect a person’s metabolism and increase the risk of OA, especially in weight-bearing joints like the hips or knees. Family history. People who have a family member with OA may be at higher risk of developing it. Older age. The chance of developing OA increases as people get older. Sex. Women are more likely to develop OA than men, especially after age 50. Do you need a rheumatologist? If you’re experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA), it’s important to consult a specialist. A rheumatologist—an expert in arthritis and related conditions—can help determine if you have OA and guide your treatment options. To find a contracted rheumatologist, visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com or call the number listed on the back of your member ID card. Osteoarthritis 101: What you need to know Also, people who already have OA in one body part are more likely to develop it in other joints. Treatment While there is no cure, there are proven ways to manage OA symptoms and reduce pain. For example, ways you can manage your arthritis include: ● Being physically active. ● Keeping a healthy weight. ● Protecting your joints. ● Learning skills to self-manage OA and improve quality of life. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Picking a health plan isn’t like picking out a new pair of shoes. You can’t return it if it doesn’t fit. You’re stuck with it for at least a year, so here’s how to choose wisely. 1 Understand your health care needs. Are you a “once a year for a checkup” type or someone with regular doctor visits and prescriptions? If you rarely use health care, a high-deductible plan with lower premiums might save you money. If you’re managing a chronic condition, go for a plan with higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs. ● A high-deductible health plan. ● Health Savings Account (HSA) available to eligible members. ● Annual deductible: $2,000 member/$4,000 family (non-embedded). Mastering your health plan: Tips for Considerations when choosing a Kern Legacy Health Plan— Before you dive into choosing a plan, it’s important to know what the different types of plans actually mean. Not all health plans are created equal, and each one offers its own balance between cost, flexibility and coverage. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of plans you might encounter: ● High-deductible health plan (HDHP). This plan comes with a lower monthly premium but higher out-of-pocket costs. It’s perfect if you’re generally healthy and don’t need frequent doctor visits. And don’t forget—many HDHPs allow you to pair your plan with a health savings account (HSA), which lets you save pretax money to cover medical expenses. If this is the plan structure you are looking for, then the Kern Legacy Share Select health plan is a good option for you. ● Exclusive provider organization (EPO). This plan offers more freedom, but you have to stay in-network. There’s no coverage for outof-network care unless it’s an emergency. Kern Legacy Network Plus and Kern Legacy Max Choice offer you a large network of providers to choose from. Depending on your needs, these plans may be the option you are looking for. ● Preferred provider organization (PPO). This is the most flexible of the bunch. A PPO lets you see any doctor you want, in-network or out-of-network, without needing a referral. The catch? It’ll cost you more if you go outof-network. So if you like having options and don’t mind paying a bit extra for that freedom, a PPO plan like the Kern Legacy Classic Choice health plan could be the best fit. 2 In-network vs. out-of-network. This can be a game changer. If you love your current doctor, make sure they’re in-network. With an EPO, you won’t have coverage if you go out-of-network ● A uniquely designed, two-tiered benefit health plan. ● Extensive network of Kern County providers, Kern Health Care Network. ● Annual deductible: EPO benefit tier, $0. Plus benefit tier, $250 member/$500 family.
Insurance made simple: 6 must-know terms for smarter coverage Let’s be honest: Most of us never look at our health plan benefits until we actually need them, and by then, it’s too late to make a better choice. Sound familiar? But understanding your health plan is key to saving money and avoiding surprises. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of you picking a plan, you need to know the lingo. Here are the top six terms that will help you understand what your health insurance is saying. ● Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC): This is the cheat sheet for your health plan. It’s an easy-to-read summary of what’s covered, what you’ll pay for services and how your coverage works. ● Premium: Think of this as your monthly subscription, but for health care. You pay it biweekly through payroll, whether you use your plan or not. ● Deductible: The amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance starts to cover things. So if your deductible is $1,000, you’re footing the bill until you reach that amount. After that, your insurance joins the party. ● Co-pay: A flat fee you pay each time you visit the doctor or pick up a prescription. ● Co-insurance: Once you meet your deductible, your insurance starts paying, but not everything. You still have to pay a percentage (often 20%). So, if your hospital bill is $1,000, and you’ve already met your deductible, you’ll pay $200, and your insurance covers the rest. ● Out-of-pocket maximum: This is your financial safety net. It’s the most you’ll have to pay in a year. Once you hit this amount, your insurance pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the year. Source: Debbie Hankins, HealthEdge Administrators smarter coverage and savings —no regrets later! (except in emergencies), but with a PPO, you can see out-of-network providers—just expect to pay more. 3 Weigh the costs. Don’t just look at the premium! Factor in the deductible, co-pays, co-insurance and the out-of-pocket maximum. This will give you a clearer picture of what you’ll actually spend throughout the year. Master your health plan like a pro Don’t wait until you’re knee-deep in medical bills to learn about your health plan. By knowing these key terms and choosing the right plan from the start, you’ll save money and headaches later on. Plus, you’ll be able to make more informed choices when Open Enrollment rolls around. Source: Debbie Hankins, HealthEdge Administrators 2026 Open Enrollment starts Oct. 6, ends Nov. 7 Your Kern County Health & Wellness team is always available to answer your questions. Contact us by calling the phone number on the back of your insurance identification card or by visiting us at www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com. ● Features a low deductible with 20% co-insurance. ● Uses the Anthem Network for nationwide coverage. ● Annual medical deductible: $250 member, $500 family. ● Annual prescription deductible: $100/member. ● Offers both in-network and out-of-network benefits. ● Uses the Anthem Network for nationwide coverage. ● Annual deductible: In-network, $0. Out-of-network, $200 member/$400 family.
The importance of well-child visits If you have children, it’s important to take them to regular well-child visits. These visits, also called physical exams or checkups, help you understand your child’s growth and development. They also help keep your child healthy and safe. When it comes to choosing a doctor for your child’s checkups, you have options. Pediatricians are doctors who have specialized training in caring for children. But a family doctor also can provide quality wellchild visits. These doctors care for patients at all stages of life, from childhood through old age. Why does my child need well-child visits? These checkups offer many advantages. Growth and development. At each visit, the doctor will give your child a physical exam. They will measure your child’s height and weight, listen to their heartbeat and lungs, and perform simple tests to understand how your child is growing and if their development is within a normal range for their age. The doctor will talk about your child’s stages of physical and social development, which are called developmental milestones. Prevention. Your child needs immunizations to protect them against serious illnesses. In addition to these immunizations, you and your doctor will discuss ways to make sure your child is safe at home and at school. Answers to your questions. Well-child visits are an ideal time for you to bring up questions or concerns. For example, you may want to know if your child is eating the right foods or getting adequate sleep. Jot down your top questions and bring them with you. Make notes during the visit and review them when you get home. If your child has had major changes in their life, such as a new sibling or a new school, be sure to mention them during the checkup. How often will my child need well-child visits? During the first few years of life, your child grows rapidly and will need frequent checkups. Between ages 3 and 21, your child may need an annual well-child visit. Ask your doctor when they want to see your child next. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Academy of Pediatrics; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Between birth and age 18, kids should receive a variety of vaccines. Ask your child’s doctor about all the vaccines your child needs, including those for: ● Chickenpox. ● COVID-19. ● Diphtheria. ● Hepatitis A and B. ● Hib ( Haemophilus influenzae type b). ● HPV (human papillomavirus). ● Influenza (yearly flu shots). ● Measles. ● Meningococcal disease. ● Mumps. ● Pneumococcal disease. ● Polio. ● Rotavirus. ● Rubella. ● Tetanus. ● Whooping cough. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention OUR KIDDOS It’s our job to protect them Quality care for kids. Need a family doctor or pediatrician? Visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com or call the Member Services number on the back of your ID card.
Standard U.S. Postage PAID Yakima, WA Permit No. 157 KERN LEGACY HEALTH PLANS 1115 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor Bakersfield, CA 93301 A LEGACY OF GOOD HEALTH is published as a community service for the friends and members of KERN LEGACY HEALTH PLANS, 1115 Truxtun Ave., First Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301, telephone 661-868-3182. Information in A LEGACY OF GOOD HEALTH comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2025 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Kern Legacy Health Plans On Aug. 1, 2025, Kern County Health & Wellness proudly partnered with CVS Caremark to manage your prescription benefits—bringing you and your loved ones greater convenience and affordability, with a wide range of cost-effective prescriptions, including generics and brandname medications. This collaboration is designed to ensure seamless access to the medications you need, cutting-edge pharmacy services and personalized support every step of the way. Whether you’re picking up a prescription from your neighborhood CVS or ordering refills online, your care just got smarter, simpler and more centered on you. For questions about your pharmaceutical needs, call CVS Customer Care at 1-833-842-9152. Thousands of pharmacies ● Enjoy nationwide flexibility with thousands of network pharmacy choices, including major chains and independents, near home or while traveling. ● Use the CVS Caremark pharmacy locator tool in your CVS/ Caremark app to quickly find nearby options and verify pricing. Retail 90 at preferred pharmacies ● Pick up a 90-day supply of maintenance medications in-store at our preferred pharmacies: CVS pharmacy, Costco pharmacy or Kroger pharmacy. Fewer trips, more convenience for you. ● Why spend more money when you don’t have to? You can pay $0 for commonly prescribed Tier 1 medications at no cost to you. ● Save time and money. Start by asking your doctor to send a 90‑day prescription to one of our preferred pharmacies. Digital tools that work for you ● Get connected. Go to caremark.com/startnow to get set up on your CVS Caremark account today. ● Set up auto-refill and delivery tracking, receive medication reminders, and review prescription history. Diabetic medication ● Take control of your diabetes without worrying about the cost. Pay $0 for all diabetes medications and supplies listed on our prescription formulary. No co-pays. No surprises. Just the support you deserve. ● Great news! You can now conveniently pick up your refrigerated medications at the Plans preferred pharmacies. Just another option for faster access and peace of mind knowing you are in control of your medications. Exciting news: Your prescription benefits just got better! Kern County Health & Wellness is dedicated to supporting the well-being of you and your family. Whether you’re looking for guidance on your health care benefits or need assistance finding a contracted provider, we’re here for you. Visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com or call the customer service phone number on the back of your ID card. Friendly representatives are always ready to help.
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