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

As part of our efforts to consider social determinants of health as key factors in achieving health equity across the state, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is launching a new incentive 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.

Courses to achieve certification as a community health worker could be offered to existing staff members, or POs could hire certified community health workers or other community resource navigators.

“This opportunity is offered at the PO level with the intention that the community health workers could support the PO affiliated practices to address social risk factors,” said David Bye, a health care manager in Value Partnerships. “The community health worker initiative will support POs in utilizing staff members who are well-acquainted with the community to meet social needs identified by patients within their practices.”

Earlier this year, Blue Cross launched a social determinants of health screening and data collection initiative, which has led to additional screening by providers and has highlighted why additional support is needed to address social needs. POs have been asked to opt in to the program by Nov. 4, 2022, if they’re interested in participating.

FAQ

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions.

What are the benefits to providers?

This initiative enables doctors and other members of the care team to direct their efforts to clinically specific tasks, while allowing community health workers to use their knowledge and understanding of the community to meet social needs that could affect health outcomes.

What are the benefits to patients?

Community health workers, who typically come from backgrounds similar to patients with specific social needs, can help ease patient discomfort about disclosing their needs. They can work closely with the patients to find sustainable assistance options.

What types of interventions might a community health worker use?

Interventions can vary in type and intensity and may include the following:

• Warm handoffs between the screening facilities, often the PO or the practice, and community resources specific to any identified need
• Phone consultations to identify social risks, which could affect patient health, and identify which patients could benefit from intervention
• In-person visits for patients that benefit from more involved interactions

What outcomes can be expected from using the services of a community health worker?

Potential outcomes include:

• Increased use of primary care
• Decreased hospital readmissions
• Decreased emergency department visits
• Increased medication adherence
• Cost avoidance (when comparing overall health care costs pre- and post-intervention)

If you have any additional questions, reach out to POprograms@bcbsm.com.