Promote Health Equity Through Inclusive Benefits
Aug 01,2023
Read Time 6 Minutes
Every person deserves access to whole-health support and inclusive healthcare benefits. Employers like you play an important role in facilitating such health equity. Empower your workforce to improve their health and well-being with a thoughtful approach to comprehensive and equitable care.
By embracing inclusive benefits and leveraging cutting-edge healthcare technology, you can help advance employee health by promoting inclusivity and equity in the workplace — which elevates the overall well-being of your community.
View the infographic below to learn more about why health equity is so critical. Consider Andrea’s member experience as she navigates pregnancy, anxiety, and diabetes. See how specific programs can help establish an inclusive workplace with access to personalized health resources.
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Why health equity is important for your workforce
Approximately 45% of LGBTQ+ adults ages 18–44 experienced symptoms of depression.1
Over 1 in 5 LGBTQ+ adults postponed or avoided medical care in the past year due to care provider mistreatment.2
Only 25–39% of Black, Hispanic, and Asian adults with mental illness received mental health services compared to 52% of White adults.3
Nearly 1 in 10 women experienced discrimination from a care provider due to age, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or other personal characteristic.4
Anthem believes all people — regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability — should receive personalized and equitable whole-health support.
That’s why we provide programs aimed at enhancing care access, improving care delivery, and fostering community well-being.
Family care
The Building Healthy Families program offers personalized support for modern growing families, from preconception through pregnancy, postpartum, and child care.
Advocacy
The Inclusive Care program uses Anthem Health Guides as advocates who help employees find the right care providers, educational resources, and community tools.
Digital connection
Our SydneySM Health app uses its Personalized Match feature to connect employees with in-network care providers they can trust to meet their needs and preferences.
Counseling
Behavioral Health programs include a 988 Spanish-language line, open for text and chat with Spanish-speaking employees in crisis.
Anthem whole-health care in action
Maternal health and diabetes are among the highest-cost claims for employers.5 But inclusive care can help effectively address how people of color and their babies face higher birth risk factors and maternal health risks, including gestational diabetes.6
Andrea is pregnant and facing warning signs of gestational diabetes.
Family care
Based on her reported symptoms, digital tools have alerted Andrea to her risk and shared resources for how to manage her blood sugar.
Advocacy
Andrea’s health advocate has already reached out to her, letting her know her current care plan includes strategies for managing diabetes.
Connection
Her Sydney Health app regularly connects with Andrea to make sure she is monitoring her blood sugar and following steps to keep it in check.
Counseling
Having woken up stressed a couple of times, Andrea has been texting with a Behavioral Health counselor to help manage anxiety around her pregnancy.
Whole health
Supports a comprehensive approach to care, including physical, behavioral, and social drivers
PLUS
Health equity
Ensures every employee has an equal opportunity to achieve their best health outcomes
Ways to promote employee whole health
• Offer comprehensive health coverage to provide a wide range of services. This includes care that supports physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Cultivate a work environment where diversity is valued and respected. Consider training programs, policies to address discrimination and bias, and promote a culture of inclusivity.
• Organize health education initiatives, workshops, and provide well-being programs that offer information on healthier lifestyle choices and disease prevention.
• Implement an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support employees’ mental health and well-being, including counseling services, resources for managing stress, and referrals to appropriate healthcare professionals.
• Establish partnerships with community organizations, healthcare providers, and local initiatives focused on promoting health equity.
By embracing an inclusive approach to care and leveraging cutting-edge healthcare technology, you can not only promote health equity in your workplace but also elevate and advance the well-being of your community.
Want to learn more about Anthem’s offerings? Visit anthem.com/employer, or contact your representative to learn how an Anthem benefit plan can provide whole-person support for your workplace.
1 United States Census Bureau: LGBT Adults Report Anxiety, Depression at All Ages (December 2022): census.gov.
2 Center for American Progress: Discrimination Prevents LGBTQ People From Accessing Health Care (accessed March 2022): americanprogress.org.
3 KFF: Key Data on Health and Health Care by Race and Ethnicity (accessed June 2023): kff.org.
4 KFF: Disparities in Health and Health Care: 5 Key Questions and Answers (accessed June 2023): kff.org.
5 Commonwealth Fund: The High Costs of Maternal Morbidity Show Why We Need Greater Investment in Maternal Health (accessed June 2023): commonwealthfund.org.
6 KFF: Racial Disparities in Maternal and Infant Health: Current Status and Efforts to Address Them (accessed June 2023): kff.org.
Sydney Health is offered through an arrangement with Carelon Digital Platforms, a separate company offering mobile application services on behalf of your health plan. ©2023
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