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The 80% Project

In the U.S., social factors, or Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) can impact up to 80% of someone’s health. The 80% Project, led by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, is working to minimize barriers to improve the health and well-being of the communities and customers it serves. But we can’t do it alone.

As a catalyst for change, The 80% Project teams up with others to create environments that help people be fully healthy — mentally, physically, and socially.

Community investments and support

Highmark’s community support platform connects members who have a social barrier to health with thousands of free or reduced-cost services to help meet food, housing, medical, and financial needs. 

Charitable Fund for Health

Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health, of the Highmark Foundation, announced a $1.5 million grant to fund the “Healthy Neighborhood” pilot, an innovative and transformational food insecurity program with collaboration between Vandalia Health Network, Marshall Health, Mountain Health Network, InComm Healthcare, and Dollar General.

The initiative plans to address food insecurity and improve health outcomes for eligible West Virginia residents by providing nearby access to healthier and more nutritious food. 

Search and connect to support

Use our free online tool to find resources for food, housing, transportation, utility assistance, medical care, job training and more in your community.

Member Programs

Highmark can connect members to the right programs to help them overcome challenges and live their healthiest lives.

SDoH Screening

Highmark social workers reach out to members to help identify social barriers to health and connect them to free or reduced-cost community resources. After completing a needs assessment, they can determine whether members are having difficulty with:

  • Food insecurity
  • Transportation issues
  • Social connections
  • Personal safety
  • Health literacy
  • Housing stability
  • Financial strain

This “social care” can help improve members’ physical and behavioral health and keep down long-term health care costs. 

Medicare Programs

Highmark’s Medicare products help members overcome barriers to managing their health, such as low-cost options to get to and from appointments or free meals for two weeks after hospital discharge.

How we can help

Are you a Highmark member who needs assistance with food, housing, utilities, transportation, or other barriers to health? Call the number on the back of your member ID card to speak with a social worker who can help you locate agencies, resources, and programs.

You can also use our Highmark Community Support platform to find local social service programs like food banks, housing, and more. Search by zip code to get connected with programs that fit your needs.  

News and impact