The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened awareness of food insecurity’s impact on health, prompting health insurers and various stakeholders to take action. They recognize the critical role nutrition plays in addressing social determinants of health and reducing healthcare costs. Initiatives include partnerships with community organizations, innovative programs like producing prescriptions and addressing educational disparities affecting food quality. The consensus is that food insecurity has become a public health crisis requiring comprehensive policies and collective efforts. Employers are also encouraging healthier lifestyles, and Medicare Advantage plans are increasingly offering food-related benefits. The goal is to ensure access to nutritious food for all, particularly the aging population.
COVID-19 brought the issue of food insecurity into sharp focus, prompting a response from various stakeholders, including health insurers. These insurers have long recognized the significance of nutrition in addressing the social determinants of health as a means to reduce the strain on costly hospital and emergency services. However, recent events have intensified their focus on food-related initiatives.
The pandemic served as a wake-up call, revealing how many families live on the edge of financial stability without a safety net. Dr. Richard Stefanacci from the Jefferson College of Population Health at Thomas Jefferson University pointed out that the consequences of inadequate nutrition are evident in the rising rates of chronic diseases, particularly among lower-income groups, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Jeff Levin-Scherz, M.D., a population health leader at Willis Towers Watson, emphasized that health plans are increasingly interested in addressing disparities and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Disparities in access to quality food, personal security, and housing are starkly evident in various communities.
For instance, the Florida Blue Foundation recently donated $3.3 million to nine community organizations across the state to combat food insecurity. Insurtech Alignment Health has embarked on a Medicare Advantage venture, partnering with Instacart to offer concierge-style benefits, with a significant focus on food-related services in California and Nevada.
Some health plans have already seen positive outcomes from their investments in food-related programs. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina reported improved outcomes for diabetes patients through its food program.
Dr. Stefanacci believes that the healthcare system’s growing interest in food security is connected to a shift towards value-based care, moving away from fee-for-service models. Hospitals are implementing innovative initiatives such as produce prescriptions, food pharmacies, and community gardens, recognizing the importance of a holistic, community-based approach to health maintenance.
Dr. Levin-Scherz highlighted the impact of educational disparities on food quality, especially in lower-income neighborhoods, affecting life expectancy.
The consensus is that food insecurity has evolved into a public health crisis that can no longer be ignored. Comprehensive policies and programs are needed to address this crisis collectively.
Staci Lofton, senior director of health equity at Families USA, emphasized the importance of screening for and addressing food insecurity in addressing various medical issues. Health plans can play a crucial role in understanding and addressing food insecurity on a population level, particularly in identifying problem areas like food deserts.
Employers have also played a role in promoting healthier lifestyles among their workers, using behavioral economic strategies to encourage better dietary choices.
Lofton praised Medicare Advantage plans for their efforts in supporting elderly individuals in maintaining a nutritious diet. With the aging population, stakeholders within the healthcare system must work together to ensure access to nutritious food for healthy aging.
A study in JAMA Health Forum highlighted the increasing trend of Medicare Advantage plans offering meals as a supplemental benefit, driven by expectations of cost savings and market competitiveness.
Overall, the recognition of food insecurity as a critical health issue has grown significantly, spurred by the pandemic and a shift towards holistic, value-based care. Stakeholders across the healthcare system are taking steps to address this crisis, acknowledging the pivotal role nutrition plays in overall health and well-being.
