HOLLYWOOD, CA — The Los Angeles LGBT Center has received an $80,000 grant from Health Net, the center announced Tuesday. The money will be used to increase the availability of quality care to patients especially vulnerable during the pandemic.
“The ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored the importance of improving the health and well-being for the LGBTQ+ community, who continue to face widespread disparities,” said Amanda McAllister-Wallner, Director of the LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network. “With this grant, the LA LGBT Center will have additional resources to help ensure that the LGBTQ+ community in Los Angeles County has access to affordable, quality health care through Medi-Cal – taking us another step forward in closing this gap.”
The Los Angeles LGBT Center is one of 24 organizations statewide receiving funding that totals $1.95 million. Organizations will use the money to increase Medi-Cal enrollment in several ways:
• Amplifying awareness of available benefits
• Educating communities about the importance of health care coverage
• Helping newly eligible people enroll in health care coverage
• Assisting new enrollees in understanding and navigating the health care system
• Supporting existing members through the coverage renewal process
“Data shows that a large number of Californians that are eligible for Medi-Cal aren’t applying for benefits. You wouldn’t expect that in the midst of a pandemic,” said Brian Ternan, President and CEO of Health Net of California and California Health & Wellness. “Our community partners will use these grants to find and enroll newly-eligible people. With Medi-Cal coverage, California’s most vulnerable populations can receive the quality health care they deserve.”
The Los Angeles LGBT Center has been in operation since 1969 and has facilities in Hollywood, WeHo and other areas of Los Angeles
