• Health Net to host convening with California Community Foundation and others to coordinate recovery of critical healthcare infrastructure

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- One hundred days after the devastating Eaton Fire began, Health Net, one of California's most experienced Medi-Cal managed care health plans, and the Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), announced an additional commitment of $750,000 for wildfire recovery efforts in Los Angeles County. This new funding brings Health Net and the Centene Foundation's total contribution to $1 million, underscoring their continued commitment to rebuilding and restoring impacted communities.

"Our objective shouldn't be to merely restore what was lost," said Dorothy Seleski, Medi-Cal president at Health Net. "We have a responsibility to the community to be deliberate and strategic in building a better healthcare system compared to what existed before the fires. This begins with assembling the right voices that reflect the needs of the community and bringing together the necessary resources to bring that vision to life."

The funds will be distributed to trusted local nonprofit organizations working directly in the affected areas to support initiatives related to housing assistance, mental health, healthcare services and rebuilding critical infrastructure.

This week, Health Net is convening key stakeholders—including public health departments, community organizations and healthcare providers—to assess community needs and support the thoughtful rebuilding of healthcare infrastructure and drivers of health. Co-hosted in partnership with HealthBegins, the California Community Foundation, the Pasadena Community Foundation and GRACE (Gather, Respect, Advocate, Change, Engage), the convening will focus on four critical areas of impact:

1. Respiratory health
2. Mental and behavioral health
3. Children and youth
4. Housing

"In the wake of such devastating wildfires, rebuilding our communities requires partnership, persistence and compassion," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. "We're grateful to Health Net and the Centene Foundation for stepping up with this critical investment. Their support will accelerate recovery for families in need and help ensure that Los Angeles comes back stronger, safer and more resilient."

This commitment builds on Health Net's ongoing efforts to strengthen California's healthcare system. Most recently, the organization announced a $9 million investment to bolster the state's physician workforce – creating pathways for individuals to enter the medical field and supporting the professional development of those already in practice. By investing in the healthcare professionals of today and cultivating the physicians of tomorrow, Health Net is helping lay the foundation for a more resilient and equitable healthcare system, one capable of withstanding future crises and delivering continuous care to those who need it most.

To learn more about Health Net's local commitments, visit www.bridgingthedivideca.com.

About Health Net 

Founded in California more than 45 years ago, Health Net, LLC ("Health Net"), a company of Centene Corporation, believes that every person deserves a safety net for their health, regardless of age, income, employment status or current state of health. Today, we provide health plans for individuals, families, businesses of every size and people who qualify for Medi-Cal or Medicare. With more than 117,000 of our network providers, Health Net serves more than three million members across the state. We also offer access to substance abuse programs, behavioral health services and managed healthcare products related to prescription drugs. We make these health plans and services available through Health Net and its subsidiaries: Health Net of California, Inc., Health Net Life Insurance Company and Health Net Community Solutions, Inc. These entities are wholly owned subsidiaries of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), a leading healthcare enterprise committed to transforming the health of the communities we serve, one person at a time. Health Net and Centene Corporation employ more than 5,700 people in California who work at one of five regional Talent Hub offices. For more information, visit www.HealthNet.com. 

About Centene Foundation

The Centene Foundation (the "Foundation"), a private nonprofit focused on investing in economically challenged communities, is the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) ("Centene"). The Foundation supports projects and initiatives strategically aligned with Centene's mission-driven culture and enhances the work Centene Corporation is doing to remove the barriers to wellness underserved and low-income populations face. The Foundation is committed to addressing social drivers of health and improving health equity in three distinct areas of focus: healthcare access, social services and education. To learn more, visit the Centene Foundation's website.