Health Net, a Medi-Cal managed care health plan in California, and the Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation, announced a joint investment exceeding $7.2 million to expand healthcare services for underserved populations through mobile health clinics.
“Mobile clinics become vital lifelines in rural or resource-limited areas, easing transportation challenges and bringing compassionate care directly to where people live and gather,” said Dorothy Seleski, Medi-Cal president at Health Net. “By expanding the use of mobile clinics, we can provide preventative care, screenings, health education and social services directly to the communities that need them most—ultimately improving health outcomes and building healthier futures across California.”
The funding supports Health Net’s Mobile Outreach for Value, Equity and Sustainability (MOVES) program, which addresses barriers such as limited transportation and lost wages by delivering preventive screenings and services in community settings. Grants from MOVES enable local partners to operate pop-up clinics and mobile medical vans at parks, community events, and other locations. These efforts aim to reach thousands of Californians in underserved areas and improve access to care.
Organizations receiving grants include AltaMed, Community Medical Centers, Kaweah Health, and Vision y Compromiso.
“Mobile health clinics meet people where they are, literally and figuratively, ensuring that those who need care the most aren’t left behind,” said Ryan Gates, chief population health officer at Kaweah Health. “Thanks to the grant from Health Net, we’re removing obstacles and delivering services right to the community, making care more accessible, equitable, and ultimately, more effective.”
Health Net and the Centene Foundation intend to support organizations with established community ties to build sustainable care delivery models. These mobile initiatives not only extend reach but also aim to strengthen relationships between healthcare providers and communities, encouraging earlier intervention and improved health outcomes.
The grants also position recipient organizations as conveners, bringing together local partners to address physical, behavioral, and social needs in their communities.
“These mobile clinics are more than just vehicles; they’re a gateway to healthier lives and stronger communities,” said Zoila D. Escobar, president of the AltaMed Foundation and executive vice president and chief administrative officer of AltaMed Health Services Corporation. “Thanks to Health Net and the Centene Foundation, we can break down barriers that too often prevent people from getting the care they need.”
State Senator Susan Rubio highlighted the challenges many families face in accessing care.
“When I was a teacher, I saw kids come to school sick because their parents couldn’t take time off work or afford a doctor’s visit,” Rubio said. “I’m grateful to Health Net and the Centene Foundation for investing in solutions that bring care directly into the places where people live, work and gather.”
Between 2017 and 2024, Health Net committed over $158 million to community-based organizations. Recent investments include a $3.5 million grant to MLK Community Medical Group to expand its clinical team, a $1 million contribution to aid Los Angeles communities affected by wildfires, and more than $9 million to support California’s physician workforce through training and recruitment programs.
