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Vol. 64 No. 39 | Thursday, September 26, 2024
VOTERS GUIDE SEE PAGES 8-9
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City of San Diego Mayoral Candidates Debate
Housing, Homelessness
Election 2024
Oct. 7 - Early voting begins at the Registrar's office,
Turner and Mayor Gloria went head to head on Sept. 17 for the 2024 mayoral debate hosted by 10News. Each candidate presented different visions for how the city should be led, clashing on issues of homelessness, affordable housing, sidewalks, and street repair.
Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
Oct. 8 - Official ballot drop boxes open through Nov. 5. Oct. 21 - Deadline to register to vote. Oct. 22 - If you missed the voter registration
deadline, you can still conditionally register and vote by visiting the Registrar's office or any vote center through Nov. 5.
Oct. 26 - Select vote centers open daily from 8am to 5pm through Nov. 4 Nov. 2- All vote centers open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 5- Last day to vote! All vote centers, ballot drop boxes, and the Registrar's office are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
READY TO VOTE?
Check your voter registration TODAY! www.sdvote.com
ARE YOU READY TO VOTE? Online Registration Deadline is Oct. 21st! www.sdvote.com
Based on polling data conducted by local media outlets, a SurveyUSA poll shows if
L-R, Incumbent Todd Gloria, PHOTO: City of San Diego, & opponent Larry Turner PHOTO: Larryturnerformayor.com
Incumbent Todd Gloria is a lifelong San Diegan, Democrat, and served on the City See HOUSING, Page 2
Earn the Black Vote’
Medi-Cal, California’s version of the federal program Medicaid, has piloted a program in several counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Fresno, Kings, Madera, Sacramento, and Tulare, that presents an option for Californians who qualify for both Medi-Cal and Medicare. By 2026, the Department of Health Services aims to make the program available to eligible individuals in all counties.
BLUE HEART’S PATHWAY TO SUCCESS INITIATIVE SEE PAGE 10
By Macy Meinhardt Voice & Viewpoint Staff Writer
Three Black journalists were given the rare and crucial opportunity to interview Vice President Kamala Harris on a live platform last Tuesday, September 17th, prompting the presidential candidate to further elaborate how she will serve America — particularly Black America. “Part of my work is about understanding what we need to do in dealing with, for example, Harris in her sit-down interview with NABJ journalists in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Sept. 17. PHOTO: AP
Transforming MediCal: A Vision for Better Health Care
CELEBRATING THE LATE COUNCILMAN CHARLES L. LEWIS III SEE PAGE 10 Network of Providers: Primary care, specialist services, hospitals, clinics, labs, pharmacies, and medical equipment suppliers are all included in a Medi-Medi Plan’s network, ensuring members can find quality care for various medical needs.
A promising new option for Californians who qualify for Medi-Cal and Medicare
This includes 1.6 million people dually eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal.
SEE PAGE 7
the election were today, Gloria would garner 37% of the vote, with Turner falling shortly behind at 33% of the vote.
Medi-Medi Plans For decades, Medi-Cal has played a vital role in California’s healthcare infrastructure. Today, it provides health coverage to more than 15 million people, representing about 40 percent of the state’s population.
THIS WEEK'S ISSUE:
NCNW’S 56TH ANNUAL AWARDS LUNCHEON
Kamala Harris’ Plan to
See VOTE, Page 2
By Joe W. Bowers Jr. California Black Media
INSIDE
By Macy Meinhardt Voice & Viewpoint Staff Writer The local race for the City of San Diego mayor is heating up with a four point difference between incumbent Mayor Todd Gloria and opponent Larry Turner.
KEY DATES
Serving San Diego County’s African & African American Communities 64 Years
PHOTO: Courtesy of CBM
Medi-Cal transformation focuses on improving health care coordination, integration, quality, equity, and accessibility. A key component of this broader vision to enhance healthcare access and improve health outcomes for Californians is MediMedi Plans, a type of Medicare Advantage plan. Medi-Medi Plans are designed to coordinate care for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal by combining their Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits into one plan. Medicare and Medi-Cal operate separately, with different benefits and plans. This fragmented system can be confusing, hard to navigate, and may not provide person-centered services. Medi-Medi Plans are helping integrate care for members dually eligible
Mental Health Services: Medi-Medi Plans offer access to therapy and counseling. This ensures access to resources essential for stress management, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. for Medicare and Medi-Cal.
Key Features of Medi-Medi Plans In a Medi-Medi Plan, a member’s Medicare plan takes the lead, with Medi-Cal providing wrap-around support. This integrated approach simplifies access to health care services, allowing qualifying individuals to receive primary care, specialty care, prescription medications, transportation assistance, and other benefits in one coordinated plan. Features of the comprehensive range of services include: Dedicated Care Team: Medi-Medi Plans have a dedicated team to assist members in understanding their benefits, scheduling appointments, managing chronic conditions, and accessing preventive care.
Transportation Assistance: Medi-Medi Plans provide transportation support to ensure members can make it to scheduled medical appointments. Supplemental Benefits: Medi-Medi Plans may offer extra benefits like dental, hearing, vision, and over-the-counter benefits, in addition to what Medi-Cal covers.
Choosing the Right Plan For example, Los Angeles County residents have several Medi-Medi Plans to choose from. Available plans include: • Anthem Full Dual Advantage Aligned – call 833-236-2366 • Blue Shield Total Dual Plan – call 800452-4413 • L.A. Care Medicare Plus – call 866-5222736 See MEDI-MEDI, Page 2
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