HealthNet announced today it has awarded 138 grants, totaling $13.4 million, to support the expansion of telehealth and telephonic services for California providers serving Medi-Cal members.

This is the largest grant of cash dedicated to this cause by a health plan in California.

The company had announced $5.9 million in available grants in a Request for Support on April 2, but based on the overwhelming response to the RFS, Health Net has awarded grants totaling $13.4 million.

“Telehealth has emerged as an effective way for health care providers to care for their patients during this pandemic,” said Brian Ternan, president and CEO of Health Net of California and California Health and Wellness. “As the state’s largest Medi-Cal managed care plan, we know doctors, nurses and clinicians serving our vulnerable patient population are struggling right now. Our goal was to think creatively and support providers funding quickly to help them build their telehealth capacity as soon as possible and care for those most in need.”

HealthNet’s grants are dedicated to expanding important telehealth capabilities including live video visits, e-consultations and tele-psychiatry.

“During the current state of emergency, we continue to work with industry leaders on solutions to safely provide health care services throughout the state,” said Shelley Rouillard, director of the California Department of Managed Health Care. “This grant funding will help Medi-Cal providers expand their ability to deliver health care services to patients via telehealth, particularly to vulnerable populations and those in rural areas.”