Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California receives new funding from Health Net to help Californians enroll in Medi-Cal and other programs
Health Net’s $90,000 grant means more residents in the Asian/Pacific Islander (API) community 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 Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) a $90,000 grant to help enroll and increase outreach to Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in Medi-Cal managed care with a focus on Alameda, Fresno, Merced, Orange, Sacramento and San Francisco counties. Part of Health Net’s broader commitment to support communities during the national pandemic, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California 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.
“As we continue to navigate the wide-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s critical we are providing culturally and linguistically appropriate support to at risk Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders,” said Connie Chung Joe, JD, CEO of Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California. “Thank you, Health Net, for helping us continue to ensure our community’s most vulnerable members have access to the Medi-Cal benefits they are qualified for and the quality health care they deserve.”
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 ongoing pandemic.
“We are grateful for companies like Health Net who are partnering with providers statewide to reach out and meet the needs of the API community during these challenging times,” said Annie Lam, Executive Director of the California API Legislative Caucus Institute. “The uncertainty and wide-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored how critical the safety net is to the health and wellbeing of so many Californians – we need to ensure those at risk are able to access it now.”
“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 healthcare 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. Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California is a three-time Health Net grant recipient and has received a total of $390,000 to increase access to health care for the communities they serve.
Contact:
Jaime Botello, MediaInquiries@HealthNet.com
About Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California:
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) is the nation’s largest legal and civil rights organization for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI). Through direct services, impact litigation, policy advocacy, leadership development, and capacity building, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California focuses on the most vulnerable members of Asian American and NHPI communities while also building a strong voice for civil rights and social justice.
