A Medical Device Daily

UnitedHealth Group (Minneapolis) and PacifiCare (Cypress, California) have awarded more than $5.7 million in grants to benefit health care consumers and improve the delivery of healthcare services in California.

The grants, ranging from $105,194 to $1,304,943, have been awarded to 13 California nonprofits dedicated to improving healthcare services through enhanced healthcare technology opportunities, supporting clinical education and driving preventive health initiatives.

"UnitedHealth Group and PacifiCare are committed to investing in a healthier California," said Steve Nelson, CEO, Western Region of UnitedHealthcare. "We do this by offering products and services that address access to quality health care for all Californians, and also through grants to diverse community health organizations statewide that will help improve the healthcare delivery system for everyone, including underserved populations."

The grants are part of a $25 million commitment to California by UnitedHealth Group and PacifiCare. These grants represent the third phase of proposal applications, which were received in August 2008. In January 2008, 15 nonprofit organizations statewide were awarded more than $6 million in grants; in June 2008, 12 nonprofit organizations statewide were awarded more than 6.2 million.

UnitedHealth Group offers health benefits, including commercial and Medicare health plans, to nearly 2.8 million Californians and partners with about 50,000 physicians across the state.