To reduce health disparities among communities of color and support expectant mothers, Independence Blue Cross (Independence BC) is taking a data-driven and community-based approach to inform better interventions in care.
Recognizing that the health needs of economically distressed neighborhoods cannot only be met through the doctor's office, Independence BC joined forces with Project HOME and AmeriHealth Caritas to address significant health disparities experienced in North Philadelphia. The area's predominantly Black and Hispanic residents face lower life expectancies and higher rates of infant mortality than their counterparts elsewhere the city. Through the Keystone Connection to Wellness initiative, expectant mothers in North Philadelphia are participating in Project Home’s Centering Pregnancy program − a national, evidence-based maternal health model.
To better understand how social determinants of health impact high-risk maternity patients, Independence BC is also building predictive models into its existing maternal care program: Baby Blueprints. Available to all expectant members, the program supports women before, during and after birth. This work includes behavioral health screenings and social need assessments for factors including transportation, food security and financial wellbeing. By incorporating predictive capabilities into this program, Independence hopes to better understand and support the complex needs of high-risk mothers.
Through the Independence Blue Cross Foundation, the health insurer is also participating in and helping fund a novel study on the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on pre-term birth outcomes. The study is led by Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern University, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Nemours Children's Hospital and will use member data from Independence BC, Highmark Blue Shield of Delaware, Yale and the University of Pennsylvania Health System. The first study of its kind in the U.S., researchers will examine both spontaneous and medically indicated preterm births as well as stillbirth rates--especially among communities of color, which see disproportionate rates of preterm births.
In addition, Independence BC’s subsidiary Keystone First operates a Bright Start Maternity Program that includes:
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Nurse care managers to facilitate access to specialists, screenings and support resources;
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Maternity navigators, including SDOH assessments and referrals;
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A cell phone program for moderate- to high-risk pregnant women;
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Community partnerships to support home visiting programs from pregnancy through age 6;
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Lactation support;
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Postpartum visit coordination;
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A behavioral health/substance abuse disorder integrated care program; and
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Nutrition programs and services
Independence Blue Cross, the Independence Blue Cross Foundation and Keystone First, coverage by Vista Health Plan and Highmark Blue Shield of Delaware, are independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.