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Buckeye Health Plan Supports Community Needs During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Date: 05/08/20

Partnerships and programs address the social determinants of health across Ohio

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, people across Ohio are facing challenges beyond medical care that include basic daily needs such as food and essential supplies. Buckeye Health Plan is partnering with its parent company Centene on various support efforts that address these social determinants of health in Ohio.

Social determinants of health are non-medical barriers to achieving quality health outcomes. They include socioeconomic and environmental  factors such as food accessibility, employment, education, and more. Research shows that medical care accounts for approximately 10 to 20 percent of health outcomes, while the other 80 to 90 percent is affected by social determinants of health.

“The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are far-reaching and have extended beyond medical care to affect people’s access to food, employment and more,” said Buckeye President and CEO Steve Province.  “These social determinants of health have a significant impact on people’s overall wellbeing, especially among vulnerable populations.  Buckeye is working to help ensure we’re supporting the additional needs of communities during this challenging time.”

Hunger and Food Security

The demand on food banks has significantly increased during this pandemic, and it’s estimated that these organizations will need an additional $1.4 billion in funding during the next six months to provide food assistance to people facing hunger. In partnership with the national hunger relief nonprofit Feeding America and its network of food banks, Buckeye will coordinate Centene’s donation to feed our neighbors across Ohio.

Buckeye is furthering supporting this effort through additional initiatives, including:

  • Providing supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) applications to those in need
  • Identifying employees interested in opportunities to volunteer at local food banks

Healthcare and Educational Supplies

To ensure community members have access to crucial supplies during this time of need, Buckeye, in coordination with Centene, will be purchasing 1,250 gift cards for use on essential items. Buckeye will deliver the cards to local providers and other community resources for distribution to individuals in need. The gift cards will have a value of $35 and can be used to purchase essential items, including diapers, over-the-counter medicines, cleaning supplies, and books.

In addition, Buckeye has donated $32,000 worth of personal protective equipment to Ohio providers, provided assistance for small businesses to apply for SBA loans and $10,000 thus far to various food distribution centers.