Health equity surveys help Blue KC address member whole health and well-being
Tailoring health programs to member needs is one way Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) cares for our members’ whole health and well-being.
To do this, we first need to understand member demographic information and non-medical factors that may affect their health.
Your Blue KC representative has visited or will soon visit with you about a health equity program through which we are gathering member information using two surveys:
- Demographic – Information on language, race, ethnicity, gender identity, and disability status
- Determinants of health – Information on issues that affect overall health and well-being, such as access to affordable housing, nutritious food, transportation, and childcare
Why collect demographic information?
We collect this information to develop programs based on real and relevant information about Blue KC members…programs that have the potential to reduce disparities in health, lower healthcare costs, and even improve productivity at work.
What do you mean by determinants of health?
These are factors in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes. Often called social determinants of health, they include economic stability, education access and quality, health care access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, social and community context.1
What will Blue KC be able to do with determinants of health information?
This information can help identify members who could benefit from access to social assistance resources. In fact, immediately upon completing the survey we will deliver our Community Support Tool, which points members to free and reduced-cost resources based on their answers.
We’ll also be able to develop resources, like the Blue KC Care Management app, which offers programs that supplement the care members receive from their doctors.
Do employees have to participate?
It is voluntary for employees to provide their information…and confidential. As the employer, you will not be able to associate employee answers.
Have an impact on whole health and well-being programs for your employees
Talk to your Blue KC representative about participating in Blue KC’s health equity surveys. Your support can have a lasting impact on future programs that may benefit your employees.
1U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
