Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) is leading efforts to reduce racial disparities in prenatal care by leveraging the important role of community health workers (CHW) to build trust with at-risk populations.
For example, Blue KC members enrolled in health plans with exclusive access to Spira Care Centers also benefit from CHW best practices in a primary care setting. At Spira Care Centers the member experience is simple and personal, while also innovative and forward-thinking. Members have access to integrated primary care, behavioral health consultations, health coaching, routine lab draws and more all in one place at low or no cost.
Additionally, through successful community intervention, Blue KC aims to reduce disparities in prenatal care, by offering guidance and support to raise the awareness among mothers about potential health risks. The CHW strategy will include breast feeding support, lactation consultation and prenatal and postnatal education and support. Engagement with members will start prenatal and continue to one - year postpartum. Blue KC is also exploring innovative ways to engage CHWs in other community settings to further meet individuals where they are. For example, they could expand into schools and public libraries.
This work is to level the playing field and remove barriers that cause unequal access to care and to health outcomes, and make sure education and access is offered in a way community members understand.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.