Health Net
Based in Woodland Hills, Calif., Health Net is a managed health care company that was founded in 1985. Health Net serves 18 percent of Covered California enrollees in all pricing regions except 6, 12 and 13.
Expanded networks
In 2016, Health Net will increase coverage choices in three pricing regions: region 1 (northern counties), region 3 (the greater Sacramento area) and region 11 (Fresno, Kings and Madera counties). Health Net’s PureCare product will now be available in Sacramento, Kings, Madera and Yolo counties, as well as select ZIP codes in El Dorado, Fresno, Nevada, Placer and Santa Clara counties. Health Net is also making plan options available in pricing region 14 (Kern County).
Culturally appropriate care and outreach
Health Net efforts to improve culturally and linguistically appropriate services and reduce health care disparities have earned the Multicultural Health Care Distinction from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Health Net’s health equity projects aim to identify and rectify member disparity in accessing health care services. Here’s a great example: Health Net’s Transitional Care Management team noted that its Hmong members in Sacramento County and the Central Valley were challenged with discharge instructions such as follow-up appointments and timelines for returning to work. The team worked with the Hmong Women’s Heritage Association and community members, including interpreters, shamans, community leaders and elders. This group discussed the U.S. health care system and finding ways to competently deliver care that is consistent with Hmong culture and values. Health Net then took this information to conduct further cultural competency training on how to work with Hmong members.
Member education
Members may attend a one-hour workshop and receive an easy-to-understand booklet on the basics of managed health care, health care cost terms and coverage plan options. The program is available in English, Spanish and Chinese.
Promoting teen health
In partnership with the University of California, Los Angeles, Fielding School of Public Health and with the support of a National Institutes of Health grant, Health Net developed a health literacy intervention for its teen members. The result was T2X, a social networking site and mobile app that provides access to a wealth of health information and support designed specifically for teens.