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 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.
Feeding the Region
Throughout the pandemic, Highmark ramped up its support for organizations around the region to make sure the community had access to healthy and nutritious food. This includes partnerships and contributions to the Central PA Food Bank, the Greater Berks Food Bank, and New Bethany Ministries.
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.
Blue Neighbors
Social isolation was a challenge for many Pennsylvania seniors even before COVID. Blue Neighbors is a volunteer program that creates memorable experiences and improves the health of the communities Highmark serves. The program encourages building sustainable friendships through social connections and engagement opportunities, and empowering people through education and resources.
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.
Highmark Wholecare
Highmark’s Pennsylvania Medicaid product, Highmark Wholecare, helps its members achieve ‘whole life’ health. A community-based health plan, Highmark Wholecare addresses social determinants of health through benefits such as memberships in Boys & Girls Clubs and support for GED testing. Highmark Wholecare’s Connection Centers work one-on-one with members to help get the most out of their benefits and support physical, mental, and even financial health goals.
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
- Social Determinants of Health: Food as Health
- Easton Public Market’s Highmark Farmstand celebrates grand reopening, Lehighvalleylive.com
- Experts will examine the mental crisis among youth in Pennsylvania -- and what to do about it, Harrisburg Patriot-News
- Highmark Wholecare, Central PA food bank promote healthy eating, WHTM-TV
- Let’s celebrate the success of Pa.’s mobile vaccination initiative, Penn Capital Star
- Highmark supports Fork Over Love in Wilkes-Barre, Times Leader
- Highmark supports free meal initiative for veterans in Lycoming County, WNEP
