California Health Insurers Condemn Racism Toward Asian Americans

"As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact all communities, we have seen a rise in racist attacks targeting Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders," the company said. "Health Net strongly condemns these attacks. These horrible acts are painful reminders that we must continue to confront racism in all its forms, whenever it occurs."

Brian Ternan, Health Net's CEO, called on all Californians to join together to stop the hate.

"Call it out," Ternan said. "Name it. Speak against it. Report it."

Blue Shield of California

Blue Shield of California, which is based in San Francisco, announced $50,000 in grants in support of Asian American organizations in February.

The nonprofit carrier said that efforts to blame China for the COVID-19 pandemic had led to negative sentiments against members of the AAPI communities in the United Stated States.

"We are horrified by the violence being inflicted in our communities because of racism and xenophobia," the company said. "The attacks against vulnerable Asian American seniors are particularly reprehensible."

Blue Shield gave $20,000 to Advancing Justice, $20,000 to the Stop AAPI Hate Reporting Center and $10,000 to Asian Youth Promoting Advocacy and Leadership, a nonprofit group that supports low-income AAPI immigrant and refugee families in the Oakland area.

In response to the attacks in Georgia, Blue Shield said, "We unequivocally denounce the recent surge of violent, racist attacks against Asian Americans. We will continue to stand with our employees, members, communities and business partners against all forms of racism."