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 Delaware, 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.
Blueprints for the Community
Since 2007, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware has made addressing social determinants a key priority for grantmaking through BluePrints for the Community. BluePrints for the Community grants are addressing barriers like healthy housing, education, and workforce development to help Delawareans reach their best version of health.
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.
YMCA and Highmark Team Up on Diabetes
Highmark has partnered with the YMCA of Delaware to offer members the Diabetes Prevention Program at no additional cost. The year-long program has 25 one-hour sessions that focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle. The engaging and participatory courses taught by lifestyle coaches help participants learn skills and ways to eat healthier, increase physical activity, lose weight, overcome stress, and stay on track.
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.
Social isolation was a challenge for many Delaware seniors even before COVID. Highmark partnered with PAPA Pals to provide eligible members with a qualified helper for home visits, short distance travel for errands and appointments, and companionship for social activities such as health club visits, walking, or gardening.
Highmark Health Options
Highmark Health Options (HHO) is a managed care organization serving people who qualify for Medicaid. HHO helps each of its more than 154,000 members in Delaware get the care and services they need to live healthier and more independent lives. HHO also collaborates with providers and regulators to improve health outcomes, simplify the health care experience, and ensure affordability.
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.
