Health Net, a prominent Medi-Cal managed care health plan and part of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), has announced that it is the only health plan in the United States to achieve the Health Equity Accreditation Plus (HEA+) certification from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) across all business lines, including Medicaid, Medicare, Commercial, and Exchange. It is also one of only three health plans in California to have received this Accreditation.
“We’re proud to earn this Accreditation, which affirms our commitment to meeting the needs of diverse populations and working to close health equity gaps across the state,” stated Brian Ternan, President and CEO of Health Net. “Our focus remains on delivering the highest quality care to all Californians.”
This recognition follows a history of accolades from NCQA, including the “Multicultural Health Care Distinction” awarded to Health Net from 2011 to 2021 for its Commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid lines. Health Net was the first health plan to achieve this distinction across all three sectors. In 2022, the organization was recognized as one of only nine in the nation to receive the HEA+ designation for all lines of business.
HEA+ emphasizes the importance of understanding community social risk factors and patients’ social needs to enhance healthcare delivery. Key focus areas include:
- Forming partnerships that support community-based organizations.
- Creating meaningful opportunities for patient and consumer engagement.
- Improving referral processes for social needs.
Leading the Way in Community Engagement
Health Net is actively forming partnerships with community-based organizations. A notable example is the $2 million investment awarded to 47 independent physician practices in California, enhancing local providers’ ability to deliver quality care. This investment, along with a multi-million-dollar commitment to address homelessness in Los Angeles County, highlights Health Net’s dedication to tackling broader social determinants of health.
To foster patient engagement, Health Net provides innovative programs such as no-cost mental telehealth services for eligible California schoolchildren, facilitating access to licensed professionals either at school or home. Additionally, their free online caregiver support program offers resources and guidance for caregivers, empowering them to effectively manage their loved ones’ care.
Health Net is also focused on refining social need referral processes and building local partnerships. Its collaboration with California’s Black Birth Justice Coalition aims to reduce infant mortality rates through culturally centered approaches. By strengthening the connections between healthcare providers and social service organizations, Health Net ensures patients can access essential non-medical resources, ultimately promoting health equity and improving patient outcomes.
About Health Net
Founded in California over 45 years ago, Health Net, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, believes in providing a safety net for health to everyone, regardless of age, income, employment status, or health condition. With over 90,000 network providers, Health Net serves more than three million members throughout the state, offering health plans for individuals, families, and businesses of all sizes, as well as Medi-Cal and Medicare eligibility. Health Net provides access to a range of services, including substance abuse programs, behavioral health services, and managed care products related to prescription drugs. The organization operates through its subsidiaries: Health Net of California, Inc., Health Net Life Insurance Company, and Health Net Community Solutions, Inc., all wholly owned by Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to improving community health. Together, Health Net and Centene employ over 5,700 people across California.
