Improving access and affordability
Marginalized communities continue to experience gaps in access to care because of cost. That’s why making health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans is fundamental to achieving health equity.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association recommends four key priorities for improving access and affordability:
- Maximize supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage that address social drivers of health;
- Remove barriers to Medicaid enrollment retention for eligible Americans;
- Increase access to insurance through tax credits that keep Marketplace plans affordable for those who need them; and
- Promote access to telehealth.
Read our full set of recommendations for addressing SDOH.
Here’s how one BCBS company is leading the way:
For the community members in Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield’s service area, the organization has made a $30 million commitment to advance a White House initiative to improve food access and affordability. The health plan will conduct one million screenings for social drivers of health by 2026. It will meet the needs of those who screen positive for food insecurity by 1) delivering medically tailored meals; 2) providing debit cards to those who cannot afford nutritious food; and 3) expanding the reach of charitable organizations, particularly in Appalachia.
About the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans.
About Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is an independent licensee of Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.