What You Should Know:
– Wider Circle, which builds peer-driven communities nationwide to help people improve their health and quality of life through trusted connections, announced a partnership with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Plan Maryland (CareFirst CHPMD).
– CareFirst is one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit healthcare organizations. Wider Circle is working with their Medicaid plan to enhance member engagement and improve health outcomes by fostering strong, supportive community ties.
Wider Circle’s Community-Centered Approach Enhances Healthcare Outcomes and Reduces Costs
Wider Circle partners with health plans and providers across the country to deliver community care programs designed to connect neighbors and foster proactive health management. With a focus on building trusted relationships, the organization links health plan members with like-minded individuals, providing peer support, education, and motivation. This model empowers members to take charge of their health, leading to improved outcomes.
The organization has demonstrated significant results through its peer-led programs. Using an actuarially validated model, Wider Circle has reduced plan attrition by 50%, decreased inpatient visits, and generated over $100 in monthly value per Medicare Advantage and Medicaid member. By fostering strong community connections and creating shared health goals, Wider Circle serves as a critical bridge between healthcare systems and members, reducing healthcare costs while improving care quality.
Wider Circle’s collaboration with CareFirst CHPMD in Maryland exemplifies its commitment to reaching members where they live, play, and thrive. Through community-centered engagement, this partnership enhances member involvement and drives better health outcomes across the state.
Following a successful expansion in Arizona, Wider Circle now supports Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries by promoting preventive care and ensuring regular engagement with primary care physicians and care managers. Programs in Arizona focus on addressing chronic conditions such as hypertension, kidney disease, COPD, asthma, and diabetes, as well as issues like maternal health.
By adopting a people-first approach, Wider Circle has improved patient outcomes and increased retention rates for payers and providers. Its comprehensive support system spans thousands of communities nationwide, delivering healthcare programs that extend beyond preventive care to tackle a wide array of health challenges. This approach helps healthcare partners reduce costs, enhance the quality of care, and foster sustainable health improvements.
“We’re thrilled to be working with CareFirst to expand our services in Maryland Medicaid, showcasing the value of our peer-driven model, which promotes healthier behaviors and strengthens the social fabric in these underserved communities. By creating trusted connections and support networks, we help members achieve better health outcomes and enhance overall well-being. This expansion marks another significant milestone for Wider Circle, enabling us to reach more individuals across the nation and further support our healthcare partners by reducing costs while improving quality and member retention,” said Darin Buxbaum, Co-founder and CEO of Wider Circle.
