OBJECTIVES:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (BCBSLA) is using race and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) data for the first time to help understand its members and potential inequities. For BCBSLA Medicare Advantage (MA) members, 98% of the population has self-identified with one or more race categories, as the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sets. This information will help BCBSLA enhance intervention programs and address potential health disparities to improve members’ health and wellness.

METHODS:

For this analysis, MA members were eligible if enrolled in calendar year 2021. Race data were collected from CMS enrollment files. SDOH variables were collected from claims data and publicly available data sources. Descriptive analyses focused on the intersection between race and SDOH variables, race groups’ interactions with healthcare systems, race groups’ engagement with Case Management and Disease Management (CM/DM) programs and outcomes for select conditions.

RESULTS:

For eligible members, the population distribution was White (81%), Black/African American (17%), and Others (2%). Black/African American members tend to live in areas with economic, transportation and food access challenges. White members had a higher rate of specialist visits. Black/African American members had more emergency department visits and more preventive services. Black/African American members had a higher prevalence of diabetes and hypertension. Among members with diabetes and hypertension, Black/African American members were referred to and engaged with CM/DM programs at a higher rate than White members. Black/African American members had higher A1C testing rates but lower hypertension medication adherence rates compared to White members.

CONCLUSIONS:

Early descriptive analysis using race and SDOH data clearly indicates disparities in health conditions and CM/DM programs. This analysis will help BCBSLA improve outcomes for MA members in different race groups and with various socioeconomic challenges.