Blue Shield of California’s pioneering initiative aims to empower Medicaid enrollees in Los Angeles and San Diego Counties by covering the costs of General Education Diplomas (GEDs). Focused on addressing social determinants of health, the program recognizes education’s pivotal role in well-being. By partnering with GED Testing Service and providing online study materials, Blue Shield fosters opportunities for members to enhance their education. Despite concerns about internet access, the insurer ensures accessibility through established online platforms and community resource centers. With the program in its infancy, active enrollment efforts and community outreach are underway. Blue Shield’s commitment to breaking barriers showcases a promising model for healthcare providers tackling broader societal challenges.
Blue Shield of California has launched a groundbreaking program to uplift Medicaid enrollees in Los Angeles and San Diego Counties. This initiative, which began this month, involves Blue Shield covering the expenses for Medicaid recipients aspiring to earn a General Education Diploma (GED). Aligned with the insurer’s heightened focus on addressing social determinants of health, the program recognizes education as a key driver for individual well-being. By partnering with GED Testing Service, Blue Shield aims to break down barriers and create opportunities for members to improve their lives through education, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more equitable society.
Commencing this month, the program is a strategic move aligned with the insurer’s heightened focus on addressing the social determinants of health. Recognizing the pivotal role of education in individuals’ overall well-being, Blue Shield of California is taking a proactive step to break down barriers that hinder access to better opportunities. By underlining the importance of education, the insurer aims to contribute to a healthier, more equitable society.
Jennifer Schirmer, Vice President of Blue Shield Promise, emphasized the significant impact education has on social determinants of health. She stated, “Lack of education we know is a social barrier to health. And it’s also an equity issue for many people that are trying to improve their lives.” Schirmer further explained that removing this barrier could pave the way for members to pursue higher education, leading to increased income, improved housing situations, and a reduction in food insecurity issues.
The program, approved by the Department of Health Care Services, involves a partnership with the GED Testing Service, utilizing the GEDWorks initiative. GEDWorks, a joint venture of the American Council on Education, provides Blue Shield Promise members with online access to GED study materials in both English and Spanish. This collaboration is part of a broader strategy to address the growing trend of individuals not completing high school, as evidenced by a decline in graduation rates in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Despite potential concerns about internet access, Blue Shield of California is confident in the program’s accessibility. The insurer has already made Wellvolution, its online lifestyle medicine platform, available to Medi-Cal recipients, demonstrating a commitment to overcoming digital barriers. Additionally, the GEDWorks advising team supports students by helping them find resources like local libraries and education centers. Community resource centers, currently numbering 12, offer guidance to enrollees, with plans to expand to 14 centers by the year’s end.
Vicki Greene, President of GED Testing Service, expressed optimism about the program’s potential impact, stating that participants in the GEDWorks program are 39% more likely to earn their diplomas than those who study independently. To be eligible for the program, Blue Shield Promise enrollees must be 18 or older, without a high school diploma or equivalent, and not currently enrolled in high school.
As the initiative is in its early stages, Blue Shield of California is actively focused on spreading awareness. Schirmer highlighted the ongoing enrollment process, stating, “We are in the process of enrolling, so we don’t have numbers to share yet.” The insurer is leveraging community-based organization partnerships and reaching out to its provider network to disseminate information about the program.
Blue Shield of California’s initiative represents a commendable step towards addressing the crucial link between education and health outcomes. By offering financial support for Medicaid enrollees pursuing GEDs, the insurer actively targets social determinants of health. The collaboration with GED Testing Service, online study materials, and community resource centers demonstrates a comprehensive approach to overcoming barriers. As enrollment efforts gain momentum, the program’s potential impact on individuals’ lives is significant. Blue Shield’s commitment to education serves as a model for healthcare providers seeking innovative solutions to address broader societal challenges, creating a pathway for improved opportunities and well-being in the communities it serves.