#United States #Sacramento #Centene Foundation #Health Net #MOVES program

Expanding Access to Healthcare in California

In an important step toward enhancing healthcare access for vulnerable populations, Health Net, a prominent Medi-Cal managed care health plan in California, has partnered with the Centene Foundation to invest over $7.2 million. This significant funding aims to bolster mobile health clinics across the state, focusing on underserved communities. Dorothy Seleski, the Medi-Cal president at Health Net, noted that mobile clinics serve as vital resources in rural areas, tackling transportation challenges and delivering critical health services directly to residents' doorsteps.

The initiative is part of Health Net's newly launched MOVES program (Mobile Outreach for Value, Equity, and Sustainability), designed to address barriers to healthcare such as transportation limitations and wage loss due to time off work. The MOVES program facilitates essential preventive services—including screenings, health education, and social support—by deploying pop-up clinics and mobile medical vans across parks and local events throughout California.

Various local organizations will receive grants to assist with these mobile clinics, including AltaMed, Community Medical Centers, Kaweah Health, and Vision y Compromiso. Ryan Gates, chief population health officer at Kaweah Health, emphasized that these mobile clinics are critical in ensuring that those who need care most are not overlooked. The aim is to create a more equitable healthcare landscape by delivering services directly to communities that require them the most.

By funding organizations with established ties and influence in their communities, Health Net and the Centene Foundation seek to foster sustainable models of healthcare delivery. These mobile health initiatives not only widen access to services but also strengthen the bond of trust between healthcare providers and the communities they support. As stated by Zoila D. Escobar from the AltaMed Foundation, these clinics serve as gateways to healthier lives and more cohesive communities, breaking down the barriers that often block access to necessary care.

The initiative has received widespread civic support, including from Senator Susan Rubio, who recognized the challenges faced by families lacking the means or access to healthcare. Rubio reflected on her teaching experiences, where many children came to school unwell due to family members' inability to take time off work or to afford medical care. Her advocacy for the mobile clinics underscores their potential to bring meaningful solutions directly to people’s neighborhoods.

Since 2017, Health Net has committed over $158 million in funding toward community-based health initiatives. The latest grants represent a significant component of ongoing efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure in California. Recent investments include a $3.5 million grant to MLK Community Medical Group to enhance its clinical team, as well as a $1 million commitment to support communities affected by devastating fires in Los Angeles. Health Net's comprehensive approach aims to build a more resilient and equitable healthcare system across the state.

For additional insights into Health Net's local initiatives and advancements, visit www.bridgingthedivideca.com. Health Net, established over 45 years ago, is committed to offering health plans that cater to individuals, families, and businesses of all sizes, as well as to Medi-Cal and Medicare participants. With more than 117,000 network providers, the organization serves over three million members in California. It also provides access to substance abuse programs, behavioral health services, and comprehensive prescription drug management solutions.

About Centene Foundation

The Centene Foundation is the philanthropic division of Centene Corporation focused on supporting economically disadvantaged communities. The Foundation aims to eliminate barriers to wellness for underserved populations and enhance health equity by addressing social determinants of health with strategic investments.