The Whole Health Index
WHI Impact Spotlight: New York
This 2024 county snapshot map of New York members in a subset of our commercial health plan membership shows how physical, behavioral, and social factors affect the overall health of the people we serve.
Hover over or click a specific county on the map to display WHI information about that county. Higher numbers indicate better health.
The pop-up for each county shows the average WHI. Two counties can have a similar average WHI, but their physical (PD) and social (SD) drivers may be different, so these numbers are also included to give a better understanding of what is affecting health in that county. A lower physical driver assessment may indicate that more people in that county have illnesses or lack access to quality healthcare, while a lower social driver assessment may indicate more significant health-related social needs (whether for individuals or their community) such as greater transportation challenges.
For example, counties that are experiencing an increase in substance use disorders within their population may show a lower physical driver assessment even if their overall WHI is in the average range. Rural counties may show a lower social driver assessment due to transportation barriers or lack of access to nutritious food.
For privacy purposes, any areas or filters containing fewer than 30 members are not displayed and shown in white.
"Health is deeply personal, and every community has its own story. We believe our greatest opportunity—and responsibility—is to meet people where they are and help them thrive. By using the Whole Health Index, we are reimagining what's possible when compassionate care, data-driven insight, and strong community partnerships come together with purpose. Our members and employer partners trust us to look beyond traditional healthcare and focus on the full picture of well-being—from access to care and affordability of food, housing, and the everyday supports that shape a person's life. By addressing these interconnected needs, we are advancing a new standard of whole-health care that creates lasting change. Together, we're building healthier futures for the individuals, families, and communities we’re honored to serve."
Victor DeStefano
President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New York
A Closer Look at New York
The WHI measures the overall health of a state's residents. It can numerically validate information that may be only anecdotally known about social drivers of health, and as a result, identify actions that may be taken to improve health.
For example:
Leaning on our extensive network of local community partners, established through our Medicaid, Medicare and Commercial business across New York, we are well-positioned to support our members' health more holistically.
*“PD” stands for physical drivers of health, and it encompasses the factors that typically go into measuring health, such as presence of illness, whether a person has access to and uses the healthcare system, care for chronic illnesses, and whether a person gets regularly tested for illnesses. The “SD” stands for the social drivers of health that have traditionally been left out of health measurement or given less importance, such as where someone lives, their employment situation, the ability to get nutritious food, and whether they have transportation. These factors make up the Whole Health Index and work together to gauge overall health.
WHI in Action: Community Partnerships
With the WHI helping to guide our understanding about what is most needed in a community, Anthem continues to listen to and partner with local organizations to better meet those needs. These are two examples of how Anthem has helped communities address health-related social needs in New York.
Boosting Community Health with Nutritious Food and Lifestyle Support
Healthy Heart Bushwick provides free, fresh produce weekly to residents at risk for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and high cholesterol. Participants increased their daily exercise, improved their medication adherence, and committed to healthier diets and lifestyles, strengthening overall community health outcomes.
Supporting People Experiencing Substance Use Disorder
Breaking Ground helps people experiencing both substance use disorder and homelessness in New York City by helping them find safe havens, permanent housing, shelters, treatment facilities, and drop-in centers.
How Is the WHI Calculated?
The WHI uses more than 90 data points that fall into the broad categories of physical, behavioral, and social health. These data points range from financial strain, transportation accessibility, and housing instability to preventive dental exams, immunizations, and medication for mental health conditions.
The WHI includes not only members who live in the displayed state and receive health benefits coverage from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, but also members who live in the displayed state and who receive health benefits coverage through employers headquartered in other states in which Anthem plans are offered.