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  2. Social Determinants of Health (SDoH)
  3. The 80% Project

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. 

Community Giving

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield supports organizations that help improve access to quality health care, access to healthy food, and access to employment and economic opportunity. Recently, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield announced a $1.5 million grant to the Buffalo Center for Health Equity as part of a commitment to reducing health disparities in the region.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield’s most recent partnership with Buffalo Go Green is aimed toward addressing food insecurity through the Highmark Mobile Market, which will travel to select Buffalo neighborhoods, health clinics and community centers to enhance access to healthy food for tens of thousands of Buffalo’s underserved. 

LEARN ABOUT COMMUNITY RELATIONS

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.

SEARCH COMMUNITY SUPPORT

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 programs are designed with resources to help overcome many barriers to health that can pop up as we age. Whether that means overcoming transportation challenges by providing care at home, helping to understand and develop individualized plans with a health coach, or addressing social isolation through community wellness programs – Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield wants to help you get to your best version of health.

Medicaid Programs 

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Medicaid product offers coverage that goes beyond care and helps members live their best lives. For example, new parents who attend prenatal and postpartum visits can access free diapers, a car seat, or a stroller. Members can also get a $20 Uber gift card to get to health appointments or other places in the community. Use the Benefit Reward Hub to access additional benefits and rewards.

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