WellPoint Inc. and California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi have announced the launch of the Community Clinics Grant Program. WellPoint will invest $35 million in community clinics throughout California. The money will be used in community clinics that have an ability to expand and improve access to health care for indigent, uninsured and underinsured Californians, according to a company release. “We are pleased to join Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi in announcing the launch of this program,” said David Helwig, president and CEO of the West Region for WellPoint. “This $35 million investment in community clinics is one of several initiatives WellPoint is undertaking in order to address California’s health care needs.” The California Health Facilities Financing Authority will administer the $35 million contribution. The CHFFA developed a process to administer a similar program funded under the Cedillo-Alarcon Community Clinics Investment Act of 2000, which allowed community health centers and clinics to buy new equipment, expand or renovate existing facilities or start new construction projects. Indianapolis-based Anthem purchased Thousand Oaks-based WellPoint Health Networks in December, to form the nation’s largest health insurance company, and changed its name to WellPoint Inc. In order to obtain Garamendi’s approval of the merger, Anthem vowed to contribute $265 million to California health care programs.
