CareSource, Walmart Partner to Address Racial Health Disparities

CareSource has partnered with Walmart to address maternal and racial health disparities in underserved communities by leveraging the retail giant’s in-store community health workers.

The payer, which administers Medicaid, Medicare, and other health plan benefits, has entered into a three-year agreement with Walmart. The organizations have committed to using evidence-based solutions to improve health outcomes among underserved populations that face racial health inequities.

The collaboration will start in Ohio, focusing on cardiometabolic conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and hypertension.

CareSource members will gain access to Walmart’s in-store community health workers, who can provide state-approved health risk and social needs assessments. The workers can also help connect members to community resources, life skills support, and health literacy education.

The partnership will help address social determinants of health, including food insecurity and economic instability. CareSource members will receive a Walmart+ membership for no cost delivery, monthly funds to spend on food, and access to virtual nutrition services.

Additionally, members can participate in CareSource Life Services, including CareSource JobConnect, which encourages financial empowerment and boosts economic mobility.

“This partnership will address the major needs our members face, which are difficulty with transportation, access to healthy food, access to care, and assistance with care coordination,” David Williams, MD, executive vice president and chief medical officer of CareSource, said in the press release.

“We know providing additional support, such as an in-store community health worker, will create another access point to ensure our members have the resources they need, within a location they frequent. As a result of this relationship, we expect an immediate, positive impact in the lives of our members.”

CareSource and Walmart also plan to address maternal and child health outcomes in Georgia, the state with the second-highest maternal mortality rate in the country. The organizations’ new program will support expecting mothers and those who are 12 months postpartum and enrolled in CareSource’s Georgia Medicaid managed care plan.

These mothers will gain access to Walmart’s community health workers, a Walmart+ membership, monthly funds for food, and virtual nutrition and doula services.

“Our goal is to utilize our combined assets to create healthier individuals and communities,” Warren Moore, vice president of social determinants of health for Walmart, said. “We’re trying to close the gaps in care and promote positive health behavior change through holistic, culturally sustaining, and high-quality health and wellness solutions. CareSource is the ideal partner to help bring this vision to life.”

Addressing social determinants of health barriers is a critical step in improving health equity and overall health outcomes.

Recently, Humana announced a new health equity strategy that focuses on forming community partnerships to address social determinants of health. The payer will fund community-centered organizations and evidence-based programs that support the well-being of seniors, veterans, and children.

Aetna health plans have also launched social determinants of health initiatives. Aetna Better Health of Louisiana contributed $50,000 to reduce food insecurity in underserved areas. Similarly, Aetna Better Health of Kansas provided $125,000 to community health organizations that offer mental health and social care services.