30 Jun Health Net Telehealth Grant Supports Innovation, Technology Enhancement at Kheir Clinic
Funding Increases Access to Telemedicine for Medi-Cal Recipients
(Los Angeles, CA – June 30, 2020) Through Health Net’s Telehealth Expansion grant, Kheir Clinic and other Medi-Cal providers across California are increasing access to remote services, ensuring that vulnerable patients stay connected to primary care services during the pandemic and beyond.
On May 6, 2020, Health Net announced it awarded 138 grants, totaling $13.4 million, to support the establishment and expansion of telehealth and telephonic services for California providers serving Medi-Cal members. This was the largest grant of cash dedicated to this cause by a health plan in California at the time. The company had announced $5.9 million in available grants in a Request for Support (RFS) on April 2, 2020. However, based on the overwhelming response to the RFS, Health Net awarded grants totaling $13.4 million.
“Providing increased access to care during this unprecedented time is critical to ensuring our most vulnerable populations stay healthy and safe,” said Brian Ternan, President and CEO, Health Net of California and California Health & Wellness. “The amount of difficult news, confusion and tragedy surrounding all of us in a short period of time can feel insurmountable. To ensure our members have access to the care they need during this difficult time, we have eliminated co-pays for telehealth services during this COVID-19 crisis.”
“Health Net is a responsive funder with priorities that reflect a deep understanding of the community’s needs,” said Erin Pak, CEO of Kheir Clinic, one of 138 Health Net grantees. “Medi-Cal and uninsured patients have historically faced barriers to care, and their health has been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. By expanding telemedicine services to those who need it most, Health Net is proving their commitment to health equity.”
Health Net’s grants are dedicated to building or expanding telehealth practices, including live video visits, e-consultations and tele-psychiatry, which are all key tools in providing safe access and continuity of care for patients at home. Funds can be used for infrastructure (laptops, cell phones, and software), Internet connectivity, and training/technical assistance. Telehealth minimizes disruption to the health care system, and protects providers and patients at a time when social distancing is critical.
“Telehealth is a great way to break down barriers,” said Dr. Eric Schluederberg, a Physician at Kheir Clinic. “Many of our patients work full time and take care of their families. It’s not easy to take a half-day off of work, ride two buses, and sit in a waiting room, all for a short medical visit. With telehealth, they can complete their appointment during a break at work, instead of requesting several hours off. There’s no loss of income, and they don’t have to worry about transportation.”
Health Net’s grant is also an acknowledgment of the cultural competence and expertise of Medi-Cal providers, including Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Centers, Indian Health Centers, and others with a history of serving culturally and linguistically isolated populations.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an array of difficulties to so many individuals and families in our communities, especially our underserved communities who already face many challenges,” said Assemblymember Miguel Santiago. “The good news is that many of these families are incredibly strong and are supported by providers like Kheir, who brings an unrelenting dedication to serving the diverse population in their surrounding communities. Thanks to Health Net’s efforts, the addition of telehealth gives Kheir a new innovative way to serve their patients.”
“Kheir serves a majority immigrant population, primarily Korean, Spanish, Bengali and Thai speakers,” said Ms. Pak. “They are the ones who often fall through the cracks in the system, who are left behind while others benefit from advancements in health and technology. Clinics like Kheir are uniquely equipped to introduce telemedicine to our patients and promote utilization and understanding of the services.”
Primary care practices also benefit from telemedicine, which allows for greater flexibility and efficiency. Same-day appointments are often easier to accommodate, and many routine follow-ups can be accomplished with a simple phone call. Clinicians stay connected to more patients without having to schedule face-to-face visits for every interaction.
“Telehealth addresses systemic issues in our overburdened healthcare system,” said Navid Papehn, Director of Patient Services at Kheir Clinic. “It offers a path to value-based treatment, instead of volume-based. We’ve been pushing toward it for years, and in many ways, telemedicine is the catalyst for change that we’ve been waiting for.”
Health Net envisioned the grant program in coordination with the California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC). Health Net requested to use funding set aside for improving enrollee health outcomes under DMHC’s approval of Centene’s acquisition of Health Net in 2016. From program inception to solicitation period and grant review, and ultimately to disbursing funds, the time frame was under five weeks.
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About Kheir: Since 1986, Kheir Clinic has addressed the community’s critical need for culturally and linguistically-sensitive quality health care and human services. Initially established to serve as a bridge between recently immigrated Koreans and local social service providers, Kheir has since evolved into Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that provides comprehensive services for a diverse population in four interrelated areas: Health Care, Human Services, Adult Day Health Care, and Affordable Housing.