Community health care workers can address social needs and improve health outcomes

As you may have read in a November Record article, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is launching a new incentive program to encourage physician organizations to hire or train individuals to serve as community health workers. These staff members would assist health care providers in addressing the social risk factors that may affect the health of their patient population. This all-patient, all-payor initiative is part of our efforts to eliminate health care disparities and achieve health equity across the state.

Participation guidelines

To participate in the program, the physician organization would hire a certified community health worker or choose an individual who could serve in that capacity. The candidate for such a position should be well-acquainted with the community to meet the patients’ social needs. The community health worker would support PO-affiliated practices in identifying and addressing social risk factors faced by patients.

Here are other participation guidelines:

• Although certified community health workers are preferred, a physician organization could choose another type of community resource navigator, such as a health coach or social worker.
• The community health worker should be dedicated to assisting patients with identified social needs.
• If a community health worker leaves the position, the physician organization should strive to find a new worker in a timely manner.
• Any patient who screens positive for a social need is eligible for community health worker intervention.

How to participate

Physician organizations that haven’t yet opted in will have another opportunity to do so. If you haven’t already received the CHW Opt-in Form, contact David Bye at DBye@bcbsm.com, and then follow these steps:

1. Complete the form to opt in and send it to POPrograms@bcbsm.com.
2. After opting in, complete the CHW Tracking Sheet (that will be provided by Blue Cross) and send by email to POPrograms@bcbsm.com) by April 7.

For more information

• To learn more and to see answers to frequently asked questions, see the November Record article.
• If you have any additional questions, reach out to POprograms@bcbsm.com.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.