Los Angeles LGBT Center receives new funding from Health Net to help Californians enroll in Medi-Cal and other programs
Los Angeles LGBT Center receives new funding from Health Net to help Californians enroll in Medi-Cal and other programs Health Net’s $80,000 grant means more LGBT residents in Los Angeles will have access to quality care and receive education about their Medi-Cal benefits
Woodland Hills, CA (April 5, 2021) – To increase access to quality care for California’s most vulnerable patients during the pandemic, Health Net awarded the Los Angeles LGBT Center an $80,000 grant to help enroll and educate LGBT individuals in Medi-Cal in Los Angeles. Part of Health Net’s broader commitment to support communities during the national pandemic, the Center is one of 24 organizations statewide that received funding totaling $1.95 million dedicated to keeping the safety net strong for those most at-risk.
“The Los Angeles LGBT Center is the nation’s largest and most experienced provider of LGBT health and mental health services, and we will continue to help those who need us the most, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Center CEO Lorri L. Jean. “Thanks to Health Net, we will be able to assist the uninsured and underinsured in accessing our quality health care so that they may lead healthier, happier lives.”
As one of California’s largest and most experienced managed care plans, Health Net is committed to ensuring underserved residents have access to quality care. By increasing Medi-Cal enrollment, education and retention support, providers and community organizations are able to better care for those most impacted by the pandemic.
“The ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored the importance of improving the health and well-being for the LGBTQ+ community, who continue to face widespread disparities,” said Amanda McAllister-Wallner, Director of the LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network. “With this grant, the LA LGBT Center will have additional resources to help ensure that the LGBTQ+ community in Los Angeles County has access to affordable, quality health care through Medi-Cal – taking us another step forward in closing this gap.”
“Data shows that a large number of Californians that are eligible for Medi-Cal aren’t applying for benefits. You wouldn’t expect that in the midst of a pandemic,” said Brian Ternan, President and CEO of Health Net of California and California Health & Wellness. “Our community partners will use these grants to find and enroll newly-eligible people. With Medi-Cal coverage, California’s most vulnerable populations can receive the quality health care they deserve.”
Organizations are using the grants to increase enrollment by:
• Amplifying awareness of available benefits
• Educating communities about the importance of health care coverage
• Helping newly eligible people enroll in health care coverage
• Assisting new enrollees in understanding and navigating the health care system
• Supporting existing members through the coverage renewal process
This series of grants is part of Health Net’s Community & Infrastructure Investment Program – which has dedicated more than $65 million to bridge the divide in access, equity and quality of care across California. The Center also received a $100,000 grant at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which enabled them to expand their telehealth capacity, ensure safe continuity of care and meet patient needs.
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About Health Net
At Health Net, we believe every person deserves a safety net for their health, regardless of age, income, employment status or current state of health. Founded 40 years ago, we remain dedicated to transforming the health of our community, one person at a time. Today, Health Net’s 3,000 employees and 85,000 network providers serve more than 3 million members. That’s nearly 1 in 12 Californians. We provide health plans for individuals, families, businesses of every size, people with Medicare and people with Medi-Cal — Coverage for Every Stage of LifeTM. Health Net also offers access to substance abuse programs, behavioral health services, employee assistance programs and managed health care products related to prescription drugs. We offer these health plans and services through Health Net, LLC and its subsidiaries: Health Net of California, Inc., Health Net Life Insurance Company and Health Net Community Solutions, Inc. These entities are wholly owned subsidiaries of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), a Fortune 100 company providing health coverage to more than 20 million Americans. For more information, visit HealthNet.com.
About Los Angeles LGBT Center
Since 1969 the Los Angeles LGBT Center has cared for, championed and celebrated LGBT individuals and families in Los Angeles and beyond. Today the Center’s nearly 800 employees provide services for more LGBT people than any other organization in the world, offering programs, services and global advocacy that span four broad categories: Health, Social Services and Housing, Culture and Education, Leadership and Advocacy. We are an unstoppable force in the fight against bigotry and the struggle to build a better world; a world in which LGBT people thrive as healthy, equal and complete members of society. Learn more at lalgbtcenter.org.