5 Game-Changing Investments in Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Investments Health Insurance Companies Are Not Ignoring

Blip-Zip Summary

Health insurance companies are waking up to the hidden key to health: Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). From food access to safe housing, these factors impact 80% of health outcomes. By investing in initiatives like healthy food programs and transportation services, health insurance companies are slashing costs, boosting health, and building thriving communities. Dive into 5 powerful examples and discover how SDOH investments can benefit you, your community, and the future of healthcare. Be a gardener!

Blip-Zip Takeaways

• Health isn’t just about medicine: 80% lies in factors like food, housing, and transportation.
• Smart health insurance companies invest in SDOH: reducing costs and improving health for everyone.
• Join the movement: support efforts to address SDOH in your community for a healthier future.
• Be a gardener!

Key Words

Social determinants of health (SDOH),  health insurance companies, healthcare costs,    community health, healthy outcomes

Why Investing in the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Makes Sense

Health insurance plans recognize that addressing SDOH is essential to achieving better health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs, and they have invested in various initiatives to improve the SDOH in the communities they serve.  Also, several information and databases are available to summarize what SDOHs the health plans are investing in.

Health Insurance Companies Across the USA

Health insurance plan companies across the USA have been increasingly investing in the Social Determinants (SDOH) to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Here are five examples of what health insurance plan companies across the USA are investing in:

1. Addressing food insecurity: Health insurance plan companies such as Kaiser Permanente and Blue Cross Blue Shield have started programs that address food insecurity among their members. For example, Kaiser Permanente offers “Food for Life,” a program that provides healthy food options to members who are experiencing food insecurity. Similarly, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan offers “Nutrition Assistance Program,” which provides nutrition education, healthy food options, and resources to improve food security among their members.
2. Providing transportation services: Lack of access to transportation can be a significant barrier to accessing healthcare for many individuals. To address this issue, health insurance plan companies such as UnitedHealthcare and Humana have started programs that provide transportation services to their members. For example, UnitedHealthcare offers “Health Ride,” a program that provides transportation to medical appointments for their members who have transportation challenges.
3. Addressing housing insecurity: Housing insecurity can have a significant impact on health outcomes. Health insurance plan companies such as Anthem and Aetna have started programs that address housing insecurity among their members. For example, Anthem offers “Housing Pathways,” a program that provides resources and support to their members who are experiencing housing insecurity.
4. Providing support for social isolation: Social isolation can have a significant impact on mental health and overall well-being. Health insurance plan companies such as UnitedHealthcare and Humana have started programs that provide support for social isolation among their members. For example, Humana offers “Bold Goal,” a program that provides social support to their members through community-based programs and resources.
5. Providing support for education and employment: Education and employment are important SDOH that can impact health outcomes. Health insurance plan companies such as Kaiser Permanente and Aetna have started programs that provide support for education and employment among their members. For example, Aetna offers “Building Healthy Communities,” a program that provides support for education and job training to their members.

West Virginia in Investing in the SDOH

West Virginia faces significant challenges when it comes to the SDOH. Many residents lack access to healthy food, safe housing, and reliable transportation. These factors contribute to health outcomes and increased net costs per capita. Here are a few examples of how health insurance plan companies in West Virginia are investing in the SDOH:

1. Highmark West Virginia: Highmark West Virginia is one of the largest health insurance companies in the state. The company has invested in various initiatives to address the SDOH, including the Highmark West Virginia Health Equity Index. This index provides a county-level analysis of SDOH, including factors such as poverty, education, and access to healthcare. Highmark West Virginia has also partnered with local organizations to provide healthy food options to low-income residents and support programs that promote physical activity.
2. West Virginia Family Health: West Virginia Family Health is a non-profit health insurance company that serves Medicaid recipients in the state. The company has invested in several initiatives to address the SDOH, including a transportation program for Medicaid recipients who live in rural areas. The program provides transportation to medical appointments and other necessary services, addressing a key barrier to accessing healthcare in rural areas.
3. Optum: Optum is a health insurance company that offers a range of services, including behavioral health and wellness programs. The company has invested in several initiatives to address the SDOH, including a program that provides housing support to West Virginia Medicaid recipients. The program helps individuals find safe and stable housing and provides ongoing support to ensure they can maintain their housing.
4. Aetna Better Health of West Virginia: Aetna Better Health of West Virginia is a Medicaid managed care company that has invested in various initiatives to address the SDOH. The company has partnered with local organizations to provide healthy food options to low-income residents and has launched a program to address transportation barriers to healthcare access. Aetna Better Health of West Virginia has also invested in programs that promote physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices.
5. CareSource: CareSource is a non-profit health insurance company that offers Medicaid and Medicare plans in West Virginia. The company has invested in several initiatives to address the SDOH, including a program that provides assistance with accessing healthy food options. CareSource has also launched programs to address transportation barriers to healthcare access and promote healthy lifestyle choices.

Sources of Information to Find Out What Health Plans Are Investing In

To find out what SDOH health insurance plans are investing in. There are several sources of information that can be used. These include:

1. Health insurance plan company websites: Many health insurance plan companies have information on their websites about their initiatives to address SDOH.
2. Industry publications: Industry publications such as Healthcare Finance News and Managed Healthcare Executive often feature articles about health insurance plan companies’ investments in SDOH.
3. Government reports: Government agencies such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) often release reports on SDOH and the initiatives health insurance plan companies are taking to address them.
4. Nonprofit organizations: Nonprofit organizations such as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Commonwealth Fund conduct research on SDOH and the initiatives health insurance plan companies are taking to address them.
5. Local news outlets: Local news outlets often report on initiatives by health insurance plan companies to address SDOH in their communities.

Databases To Find Out About Opportunities to Invest in the SDOH

There are several databases that can be used to find out what social determinants of health are being invested in by healthcare organizations and health insurance companies. These include:

1. HealthLandscape: HealthLandscape is a web-based mapping tool that allows users to visualize and analyze data on social determinants of health, including access to healthy food, housing, transportation, and more.
2. Community Commons: Community Commons is a web-based platform that provides data and tools to help communities identify and address social determinants of health. It includes data on factors such as poverty, education, housing, and transportation.
3. CMS Health Equity Data Collection: The CMS Health Equity Data Collection provides data on disparities in health outcomes and access to care, broken down by race, ethnicity, language, and other factors.
4. The County Health Rankings & Roadmaps: County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program provides data on social determinants of health, such as income, education, and housing, at the county level, and provides guidance on how communities can address these factors to improve health outcomes.
5. Healthy People 2030: Healthy People 2030 is a set of national health objectives that includes a focus on addressing social determinants of health. The Healthy People 2030 website provides data on social determinants of health, as well as guidance on how to address them.

Call to Action: The Power of A Garden-Why the SDOH’s Matter

Imagine you have two gardens. One thrives under the careful eye of a skilled gardener, receiving ample sunlight, water, and nutrients. The other, neglected and lacking resources, struggles to survive. Now, imagine these gardens represent people’s health. Social determinants of health (SDOH), like access to healthy food, safe housing, and quality education, are the sunlight, water, and nutrients that shape our health outcomes. Addressing them isn’t just about healthcare; it’s about cultivating fertile ground for everyone to flourish.

SDOH, beyond genes and medical care, influence up to 80% of our health. Just like the neglected garden, individuals facing challenges in these areas are more susceptible to chronic diseases, mental health issues, and shorter lifespans. This isn’t just an individual issue; it impacts entire communities and healthcare systems.

So, why should you, as a mid-career professional, care? Because you have the potential to be a changemaker. Whether you’re in preventive health, public health, social services, or research, understanding SDOH empowers you to:

• Advocate for upstream solutions: Focus on preventing problems, not just reacting to them. This could mean supporting policies that increase access to affordable housing or advocating for better public transportation options.
• Collaborate across sectors: Break down silos and work with partners from different fields to address interconnected challenges. Imagine doctors partnering with community gardens to provide fresh produce to patients struggling with food insecurity.
• Design interventions with equity in mind: Tailor your work to address the specific needs of diverse communities. Cultural sensitivity and understanding the unique challenges faced by different groups are crucial.

Addressing SDOH isn’t without its challenges. It requires long-term commitment, systemic change, and collaboration across various sectors. But the potential benefits are vast:

• Improved health outcomes: By addressing SDOH, we can prevent chronic diseases, improve mental health, and create healthier communities.
• Reduced healthcare costs: By addressing upstream factors, we can potentially reduce the burden on healthcare systems, leading to cost savings for everyone.
• Increased equity: By ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive, we can create a more just and equitable society.

Remember, you don’t need to be a superhero to make a difference. Start small, be intentional, and leverage your expertise to champion SDOH in your work. Whether it’s integrating SDOH screening into your practice, partnering with community organizations, or simply raising awareness, every action counts. Together, we can cultivate a world where everyone has the opportunity to blossom, regardless of the zip code they’re planted in.

Let’s be the gardeners who nurture a healthier future for all.

Summary

Health insurance plan companies have recognized the importance of addressing these SDOH and have invested in various initiatives to improve health outcomes including West Virginia. These examples demonstrate how health insurance plan companies are addressing food insecurity, providing transportation services, addressing housing insecurity, providing support for social isolation, and providing support for education and employment. These efforts are crucial to improving the health and well-being of their members and reducing the net cost per capita.

Health insurance plan companies in West Virginia are investing in the SDOH to improve health outcomes and address the unique challenges faced by residents of the state. These initiatives have the potential to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of individuals and communities in West Virginia.

Overall, these sources and information and databases provide valuable information on social determinants of health and can help healthcare organizations and health insurance companies identify areas where they can invest resources to improve health outcomes and address health disparities.

Comments?

Deep Dive Discussion Questions

1. Beyond the bottom line: While the article highlights cost savings, what ethical and societal obligations do businesses have to address SDOH, even beyond immediate financial benefits?
2. Community collaboration: How can health insurance companies effectively collaborate with local organizations and community leaders to ensure SDOH initiatives are culturally relevant and meet specific community needs?
3. Measuring impact: How can we go beyond basic metrics like cost reduction and develop robust frameworks to measure the long-term impact of SDOH investments on health outcomes and community well-being?
4. Scaling up solutions: What systemic changes or policy interventions are needed to create a larger, more sustainable ecosystem for SDOH investments across various sectors and stakeholders?
5. Personal responsibility vs. systemic issues: How can we navigate the complex interplay between individual choices and broader social determinants when addressing health outcomes?

Professional Development and Learning Activities

1. Case study analysis: Choose a specific SDOH initiative mentioned in the article and conduct a deeper analysis, considering its strengths, weaknesses, potential unintended consequences, and room for improvement.
2. Community mapping: Partner with a local organization to map the availability and accessibility of resources related to key SDOH factors in your community. Identify gaps and brainstorm potential solutions.
3. Role-playing exercise: Simulate a negotiation between a health insurance company and a community-based organization, focusing on finding common ground and developing a collaborative SDOH initiative.
4. Data exploration: Utilize online databases like HealthLandscape or County Health Rankings to explore SDOH data in your region and identify areas with the greatest need for investment.
5. Policy research: Choose a specific policy proposal related to SDOH and research its potential impact, potential challenges, and arguments for and against its implementation.

Resources, References, and Citations

1. Defining the Social Determinants of Health: https://www.cdc.gov/about/sdoh/index.html  
2. Recommendations for Building a National Public Health System https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2022/commonwealth-report-on-public-health-infrastructure
3. Local action on health inequalities: Understanding the economics of investments in the social determinants of health: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7ef68fe5274a2e8ab494d2/Briefing9_Economics_of_investments_health_inequalities.pdf  
4. The Health Equity Roadmap: A national initiative to drive improvement in health care outcomes, health equity, diversity and inclusion https://equity.aha.org/ (2021)
5. National Academy of Medicine, ” What are the Social Determinants of Health?” (2021): https://nam.edu/programs/culture-of-health/young-leaders-visualize-health-equity/what-are-the-social-determinants-of-health/
6. Kaiser Family Foundation, ” KFF-CCF Survey Provides Snapshot of Medicaid and CHIP at Watershed Moment as States Prepare for Unwinding Continuous Enrollment” (2023): https://ccf.georgetown.edu/2023/03/16/kff-ccf-50-state-survey-provides-snapshot-of-medicaid-and-chip-at-watershed-moment-as-states-prepare-for-unwinding-pandemic-era-continuous-enrollment/
7. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, ” Brief Introduction to the Social
8. Determinants of Health” (2022): https://media.repository.gheli.harvard.edu/filer_public/a3/cf/a3cfedff-de4c-4d6c-91df-1a8fb069e913/2018_gheli_socdet_tchguide.pdf
9. The Commonwealth Fund, ” Review of Evidence on the Health Care Impacts of Interventions to Address the Social Determinants of Health” (2021): https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/2019/jun/roi-calculator-evidence-guide
10. American Public Health Association, ” The Nation’s Health series: Social determinants of health” (2022): https://www.thenationshealth.org/content/nations-health-series-social-determinants-health
11. JAMA, ” Balancing Investments in Health Care and Social Determinants—The Need for Benefit-Cost Analysis” (2021): https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2812875

Author’s Note: This article is part of a “Health As a National Strategic Imperative (HAANSI)” and Strategic Health Leadership (SHELDR) Series With Emphasis on West Virginia

About the Author

I am passionate about making health a national strategic imperative, transforming and integrating health and human services sectors to be more responsive, and leveraging the social drivers and determinants of health (SDOH) to create healthier, wealthier, and more resilient individuals, families, and communities. I specialize in coaching managers and leaders on initial development, continuously improving, or sustaining their Strategic Health Leadership (SHELDR) competencies to thrive in an era to solve wicked health problems and artificial intelligence (AI).

Visit https://SHELDR.COM or contact me for more BLIP-ZIP SHELDR advice, coaching, and consulting. Check out my publications: Health Systems Thinking:  A Primer and Systems Thinking for Health Organizations, Leadership, and Policy: Think Globally, Act Locally. You can follow his thoughts on LinkedIn and X Twitter: @Doug_Anderson57 and Flipboard E-Mag: Strategic Health Leadership (SHELDR)

Disclosure and Disclaimer:  Douglas E. Anderson has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.  The author’s opinions are his own and do not represent an official position of any organization including those he consulted.  Any publications, commercial products, or services mentioned in his publications are for recommendations only and do not indicate an endorsement. All non-disclosure agreements (NDA) apply.

References: All references or citations will be provided upon request.  Not responsible for broken or outdated links, however, report broken links to [email protected]

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