What You Should Know:
– Homeward®, a technology-enabled rural health platform dedicated to expanding access to quality healthcare, and Meijer, a privately owned, family-operated Midwest retailer, today announced a strategic partnership aimed at improving healthcare access and care coordination for Medicare-eligible residents across Michigan.
– The strategic collaboration will leverage Meijer’s extensive pharmacy network and Homeward’s innovative health management platform to better serve rural communities.
Addressing Significant Health Disparities in Rural Michigan
Rural Michiganders often face considerable health and economic disparities compared to their urban counterparts. These challenges include lower median household incomes, fewer primary care providers, and higher rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes. Furthermore, limited reliable broadband access can hinder participation in virtual care, while issues like food insecurity and reduced access to specialized services underscore the pressing need for improved healthcare solutions in these communities.
Enhanced Care Coordination and Access
To address these needs, the Homeward and Meijer partnership will focus on making healthcare more accessible and navigable for seniors throughout Michigan. Eligible Meijer pharmacy customers will gain access to Homeward’s comprehensive health management support, which includes assistance with coordinating preventive care, simplifying medication access, and addressing social factors that impact overall well-being. Homeward’s Navigation™ platform will utilize advanced analytics to connect these eligible seniors to appropriate care and local resources, with the goal of effectively addressing social determinants of health and improving holistic health outcomes.
“We are proud to partner with Meijer, a trusted, family-owned retailer deeply rooted in the communities we serve. Grocers and pharmacies are among the most frequented and trusted places in rural areas, and our partnership will make care delivery and support more convenient and accessible across rural Michigan,” said Dr. Jennifer Schneider, Co-Founder and CEO of Homeward. “This partnership underscores Homeward’s commitment to meeting the unique needs of each community by building tailored care models that make it easier for people to access the quality care they need to get and stay healthy”.
Leveraging Community Hubs for Better Health Outcomes
Research indicates that Medicare beneficiaries visit their pharmacy nearly twice as often as they visit their primary care physician, highlighting the crucial role pharmacies play in patient health engagement. With Homeward members in Michigan already frequenting Meijer pharmacies, this partnership strategically leverages Meijer’s strong presence across the state, especially in rural areas. All 43 Lower Peninsula counties served by Homeward have a Meijer pharmacy located either within the county or in an adjacent one, in addition to Meijer’s established footprint in the rural counties of the Upper Peninsula.
