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 of Northeastern New York (Highmark BSNENY), 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.
Community Giving
Highmark BSNENY supports organizations that help improve access to quality health care, access to healthy food, and access to employment and economic opportunity. That includes gifts like our recent $300,000 contribution to Whitney on Wheels in Albany to help bring mobile health units and engagement specialists to underserved communities throughout the Capital Region to help overcome social barriers to care.
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.
Medicare Programs
Highmark’s BSNENY Medicare programs are designed with resources to help overcome many barriers to health that can pop up as we age. Whether that means overcoming transportation challenges by providing care at home, helping to understand and develop individualized plans with a health coach, or addressing social isolation through community wellness programs – Highmark BSNENY wants to help you get to your best version of health.
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.
