The August 10, 2020 derecho that moved across the state and caused widespread damage affected many Iowans. Soon after the storm passed, Iowa Total Care (ITC) was on the ground in the some of the hardest hit areas helping their members. Here are some of those stories.
Disaster Response Team Replaces Diabetic Member's Medicine
When electric power lines went down during the derecho, two ITC case managers rose to the need.
The case managers knew the power outage meant food spoilage for most in the derecho's path, but that lack of refrigeration - vital to the effectiveness of medicines for diabetes - was risking the health of an elderly member cut off by the storm.
The case managers delivered food to the member at risk. They learned she had disposed of her medications because they were spoiled. They then conducted a Telehealth visit with her physician and ITC leadership to get new prescriptions approved, filled, and covered.
The vital diabetic medicines were delivered to the member the same day. The case manager delivered the rest of the prescriptions the next day, along with ice, a hot meal, and a meal for later.
The case manager observed this member was in "rough shape mentally," so she stayed and talked. She learned that due to COVID-19, the member's homemaker services staff had not been to her house in several months. When the case manager checked back the next day, the member was in better spirits for several reasons: The power was back on, homemaker services staff had returned, and she had her diabetes medicine.
Members Receive Flashlights
With several members losing power, ITC's Community-Based Case Manager (CBCM) team worked quickly. The team found two members who were without power and had minimal flashlights or candles in their homes. One ITC member had small children in the home and the other was elderly/disabled. The CBCM team purchased flashlights for both homes and dropped them off at the doorstep for them to use. Both members were very appreciative.
Whenever a member is in need, they should reach out to their Managed Care Organization (MCO) for help. The MCOs are available to assist members at any time.
