Health Net, founded in 1979 and headquartered in Woodland Hills, provides a wide range of health insurance options. Catering to individuals, families, businesses, Medicare, and Medi-Cal members, the company offers affordable or no-cost coverage. It operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corp., serving a significant portion of Medi-Cal members, primarily in Los Angeles County, California.
The Covid-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to the healthcare sector, prompting Health Net and other insurers to adapt traditional service models. As elective surgeries were postponed and in-person visits delayed, insurers pivoted to cover testing and prolonged hospital stays.
Today, Health Net is addressing the backlog of deferred care as patients and families seek medical visits, screenings, and vaccinations. The disruption in regular healthcare has led to serious health implications for some Californians, necessitating immediate attention.
Meanwhile, states like California have resumed annual redetermination processes for Medi-Cal enrollees, renewing documentation and verifying eligibility for large numbers of individuals.
Pooja Mittal, Chief Health Equity Officer at Health Net, emphasized their commitment to providing a health safety net for every individual. “We believe every person deserves access to essential healthcare,” Mittal stated.
To meet this mission, Health Net has expanded its telemedicine services, allowing patients to consult medical and mental health providers conveniently. “Telemedicine is particularly beneficial for our Medi-Cal members, who may face challenges taking time off work. Visits can occur almost anywhere with access to a phone and Wi-Fi,” Mittal explained.
Internally, Health Net’s member connections team has been proactive in scheduling appointments for individuals due for screenings or preventive care. “In 2024 alone, we’ve made over 13,000 calls to our members,” Mittal noted. The company ensures language is not a barrier, providing interpreter services for non-English speakers.
Additionally, Health Net is collaborating on a virtual behavioral health initiative for K-12 students in Los Angeles County’s public schools. Partnering with telehealth provider Hazel Health, the initiative offers students access to mental health services directly at school.
Independent physicians have also faced challenges during the pandemic, including staffing shortages and resource constraints. In response, Health Net has awarded $2 million in grants to 47 independent practices across California. These grants aim to help physicians overcome barriers and adapt to evolving healthcare demands, ensuring they can utilize available funding and maintain quality care standards.
