WINTER 2025 Kern Legacy Health Plans Chances are, you’ve heard about the power of kindness—the way a simple act can spread positivity to people around you. Did you know that practicing kindness is also good for your health—both mentally and physically? It’s true. It can be hard to choose kindness sometimes, especially in a world that doesn’t seem to. But it’s still worth a try. Here’s why. How healthy is kindness? Practicing acts of kindness is a healthy habit. It boosts your endorphins— the feel-good chemicals in your body—and hormones like oxytocin, which help reduce stress, anxiety and pain; elevate your mood; and make you feel happier and more optimistic. Research on volunteering has shown that the act of giving back can increase brain power by supporting the learning and memory centers in the areas of the brain called the hippocampus. This can help you stay sharper as you age. There’s even a link between choosing kindness and having more self-confidence and a greater sense of purpose in life. This may be because spreading kindness helps build stronger relationships. And by choosing kindness, you’re modeling compassion and gratitude for others, which can inspire them to follow suit. Everyday ways to practice kindness There are many ways to work kindness into your day. The biggest rewards often seem to come when you add social connection and spontaneity into the mix. For example, try asking a neighbor if they need help carrying their groceries. Or invite a new colleague to join you for lunch so you can get to know them better. Kids can get practice leading with kindness too. For instance, when they’re with friends, suggest that they put their phone away so they can interact with intention. Listening, nodding, practicing eye contact and offering thoughtful feedback all help to spread kindness (and strengthen friendships!). Go big or stay small—you can enjoy the health benefits of choosing kindness either way. Helping a friend move or holding the door open for a stranger offers the same wellness perks. So go ahead and choose kindness—and watch how good it makes you feel. Sources: AARP; American Heart Association; American Psychological Association; Boys & Girls Clubs of America The health perks of choosing kindness As the year draws to a close, all of us at Kern County Health & Wellness extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones during this holiday season. Take some time to reflect, recharge and reconnect—with yourself, your community and the values that bring us together.
Personalized support to help you stay on track You have access to a team led by pharmacists and nurses who are specially trained in conditions like yours. Your care team can: ● Remind you when it’s time for a refill. ● Help you manage symptoms and side effects. ● Check dosage and medication schedules, as well as give advice on taking your medication correctly. ● Track how well your medication manages your condition. Manage your meds anytime, anywhere Register for an account at CVSspecialty.com or download our mobile app to: ● Refill your prescription. ● Check order status and track refills. ● Chat with your care team. Convenient delivery You can have your medication delivered anywhere nationwide, even if you’re on vacation. Or you can pick it up at any CVS Pharmacy location. Specialty medications, plus support just for you Simply the best service Specialty medications are used to treat complex and chronic conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, rare genetic disorders and cancer. Most specialty medications require prior authorization. This just means we need to make sure you meet all the requirements in order for your plan to cover certain medications before they are filled. We’ll work to get you your medication as quickly as possible. How to get started Register online at CVSspecialty.com. Existing prescriptions? Call 800-237-2767 (TTY: 711) to transfer your prescription. New prescriptions? Your doctor can: ● e-Prescribe to CVS Specialty. ● Call our care team at 800-237-2767 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (local time). ● Fax the prescription to 800-323-2445. Don’t be caught off guard by DAW Dispense as Written (DAW) is a prescription instruction that tells the pharmacist not to substitute a generic drug for the brand-name version. Doctors may use it when they believe the brand is medically necessary, or patients might request it themselves. DAW codes (0–9) explain the reason behind the choice— for example, DAW 1 means the doctor requires the brand, while DAW 2 means the patient prefers it. Using DAW can increase costs. When a brand-name drug is dispensed instead of a generic, the member is typically responsible for the cost difference between the two, in addition to their standard co-pay. This can lead to significantly higher out-of-pocket expenses unless the brand-name drug is covered by insurance for medical reasons. DAW is a balance between clinical needs, patient preferences and cost control. To avoid unnecessary costs, ask your pharmacy to test the claim first and confirm if the brand-name drug is covered under your plan’s formulary.
DIGITAL TOOLS Save time and money Our digital tools help you find ways to save on medication and manage your prescriptions on your own time. When you register for an online account or download our app, you can manage your medications from your desktop or mobile device—anytime, anywhere. Here’s how our digital tools can help you every day. Find a network pharmacy Using a preferred pharmacy that’s covered by your plan can keep your costs low. Locate one that’s convenient. Check drug cost Find out how much of the medication costs your plan pays and how much you pay. See if there are lower-cost options to help ensure you’re getting the best value. Get refills fast Request refills quickly and keep track of prescriptions for your family in one convenient place. See how close you are to meeting your deductible and out-of-pocket cost maximum anytime. Stay in the loop Sign up to get email or text messages about your prescriptions, ways you could save, status updates and more. RX DELIVERY BY MAIL Convenience, savings and safety Why get your Rx delivered by mail? Not only is delivery by mail a safe and secure way to get the medications you take regularly— like medication for asthma or high blood pressure—but you may save money too. Convenience CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy can deliver 90-day supplies of medications you take regularly to your door. For even more convenience, get automatic refills too. Savings Filling your Rx in 90-day supplies may come with savings. Plus, there’s no extra cost for shipping. Safety Our secure, nondescript packaging protects your privacy. For questions about your pharmaceutical needs, call CVS Customer Care at 833-842-9152, or learn more at Caremark.com or by scanning the QR code. QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR HEALTH BENEFITS? Please visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com or call the Member Services phone number on the back of your ID card. Friendly representatives are always ready to help.
MAINTENANCE CHOICE Save with 90-day supplies ScriptSync by CVS Pharmacy ScriptSync is a complimentary service offered by CVS Pharmacy that enables patients to align their eligible prescriptions for a single, convenient, monthly pick-up date—or on a 90-day refill cycle. This synchronization minimizes the number of pharmacy visits, streamlining medication management and saving valuable time. To participate in ScriptSync, the following conditions must be met: ● A minimum of two ongoing medications is required. ● Medications must be prescribed for 30 to 90 days. ● Controlled substances and short-term prescriptions are not eligible. ● Synchronization applies only to the enrolled individual. We cannot guarantee alignment of prescriptions for dependents or family members. Key benefits ● Simplified refills: Coordinate multiple prescriptions to be filled simultaneously. ● Flexible scheduling: Choose between monthly or 90-day refill intervals. ● No additional cost: Enrollment in ScriptSync is free of charge. Save money by filling your medications in 90-day supplies at a select participating pharmacy. A change is coming to your prescription benefit plan Your plan offers Maintenance Choice, a program that gives you the option to pick up or get delivery of 90-day supplies of the medication you take regularly (for things like diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, etc.) at select participating pharmacies. Our participating pharmacies are CVS, Costco and Kroger. Here’s what you need to do 1 Use the CVS Caremark pharmacy locator tool to find a participating pharmacy. 2 Ask your prescriber to send a new 90-day prescription to that pharmacy for pickup or delivery. Make the change to avoid paying more Now that your new prescription plan is in effect, you can fill prescriptions for the medications you take regularly in 90-day supplies and enjoy extra savings. If you’re already doing this, then you’re already saving. If you’re currently filling in 30-day supplies at a participating pharmacy or another pharmacy, you can make the change and start saving today. Keep in mind: You’ll pay more if you continue to fill these medications at a nonparticipating pharmacy or choose 30-day supplies. Transitioning to ScriptSync When initiating ScriptSync, patients with existing 90-day prescriptions may temporarily receive a 15-day supply. This short-term adjustment allows CVS to align the refill schedule with other medications. Once synchronized, prescriptions will resume their standard 90-day quantities, all filled on the same date. If you’d like some help enrolling in ScriptSync, talk to your local CVS pharmacist for assistance.
Make a plan to protect your well-being Just because it’s the holiday season doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone is full of cheer. Many people feel stressed, sad and lonely this time of year. Gift shopping and holiday preparations can make for hectic times. Many people find that grief and loss hit harder during the holidays. And those living with anxiety and depression may find it harder to manage their conditions during the holidays. Practice self-care The following tools can help if you need to prioritize your mental well-being this holiday season. Take good care of yourself. Do your best to eat well, get plenty of sleep and exercise regularly. When you exercise, your body releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins that lower stress and lift your spirits. You can start with just a few minutes of brisk walking. Start a gratitude journal. Practicing gratitude can provide a mood lift. Try writing down at least one thing you appreciate about each day—even little things, like a lovely sunset. Give back. Connect with your community, and get behind a cause you care about. Volunteering is its own reward, and you could make it a holiday tradition. Open up. Talking about your feelings with trusted friends, loved ones or a counselor can help ease stress and other difficult emotions. Set realistic expectations. No holiday season is made-for-TV perfect, and to expect otherwise can lead to disappointment. It can also increase stress. It’s OK if you don’t buy expensive gifts, prepare an elaborate feast or go wall-to-wall with decorations. Say “no” sometimes. It’s OK to skip holiday events that leave you overscheduled and overstressed. Prioritizing your activities can help you manage your time so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Don’t try to beat stress or loneliness with alcohol or drugs. They only worsen the situation or cause new problems. Take a mental health break. Set aside time each day to relax and do something you enjoy. Take a few deep breaths. Read a book, listen to music or watch a holiday movie. Holidays and mental health 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. For a full list of contracted behavioral health providers, visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com or call the Member Services phone number on the back of your ID card. Friendly representatives are always ready to help.
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 How to spot the signs of RSV Plus, tips for easing the symptoms Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is so common that nearly all children have had it by their second birthday. But what is RSV? And why is it important to recognize when your child has RSV—especially RSV that may be getting worse? RSV is a cold-like illness that affects the lungs, nose and throat. Most kids who get RSV recover on their own in a week or two. But young children with RSV can sometimes get very sick. They may get bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) or pneumonia and need to be hospitalized for a few days. Spot the signs RSV often starts like a mild cold. The symptoms may include a runny nose, a cough, and a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher. Very young babies with RSV may only be cranky, tired and less interested in feeding. If the RSV gets worse, children may have additional symptoms, like fast breathing or wheezing (a whistling sound when your child breathes). When to call the doctor You should call your child’s doctor if your child has trouble breathing or other worsening symptoms; trouble drinking; signs of dehydration (such as fewer than one wet diaper per eight hours); or decreased alertness. There is no cure for RSV. But you may be able to ease the symptoms until the virus runs its course by: ● Using nasal saline and a suction bulb to clear a stuffy nose for easier breathing. ● Giving your child over-the-counter medicines as directed by your child’s doctor. ● Helping your child drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration. Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention For a comprehensive list of contracted pediatric providers, please visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com. You may also call the Member Services number located on the back of your member ID card. Knowledgeable representatives are available to assist you and ensure that your needs are met with care and efficiency.
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