Monthly Spotlights
As we close out 2024 and roll into 2025, BHP has strived to ensure health equity is ingrained in every facet of our work. Discussing best practices, health literacy and maternal child health – has allowed an increase in cultural competency within our provider network. This has opened opportunities for engagement and community partnerships, utilizing our Mobile Unit to meet members where they are. There are many big things in store for 2025 and we cannot wait to share!
Happy Holidays from the Health Equity Department at Buckeye Health Plan!
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease characterized by airflow obstruction that makes breathing difficult. It encompasses two main conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Buckeye Health Plan serves about 23,000 members living with COPD across all lines of business (Medicaid, Medicare, Mycare and Ambetter) in Ohio. Our data shows that the 66–80-year-old, male and female population have the highest prevalence, living in Cuyahoga, Franklin, and Hamilton counties. Health inequities have been identified among individuals with COPD worldwide. Individuals with COPD of lower socioeconomic status (SES), living in rural settings, and those from marginalized communities often have decreased access to health care that is necessary to manage and treat their condition (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
BHP has the following resources available to share with patients:
- Krames Library allows for patients to have a detailed overview of diagnosis and/or medications that are prescribed bhp.kramesonline.com
- American Lung Cancer has resources and quizzes to assist patients lung.org
Together, we can ensure that quality care is provided and education on COPD management is available for all patients. Supporting patient questions, encouraging the ability to manage symptoms and lifestyle changes can allow for COPD to be manageable. Overall, early diagnosis and effective management are crucial for improving quality of life and slowing disease progression.
Buckeye Health Plan strives to promote health equity to all we engage with. We connect with our providers to support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and cultural competency. Please view the attached infographic detailing health equity and how we can best support members together.
According to Pfizer, 100,000 people are living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in America. This is a common rare disease, that often gets overlooked as well as patients living with the condition.
Across Ohio, Buckeye Health Plan is utilizing care managers to assist our members, your patients with managing their sickle cell condition. We utilize standards that align with health equity for all, ensuring that culturally linguistic services are being utilized for every member.
We ask that you continue that service, when your patient is experiencing a sickle cell crisis by remembering a few of the following:
- Understand and acknowledge the linguistic, economic, and social barriers members face that may prevent access to healthcare and other services.
- Understand that a member’s culture and beliefs may impact their choices of care, including ethical issues such as nutrition and life support.
- Treatment recommendations should be sensitive and responsive to the identity and beliefs of the individual member.
- Engage with Buckeye Health Plan’s Provider page on our website and check out the Cultural Humility Resources here.
Together we can ensure healthy individuals and families, understand their health care journey!
Here are a few additional resources to share:
Sickle Cell Disease Foundation
Educational and support programs, services that meet physical, psychosocial and economic needs. Information at SCDFC. 909-743-5227
The Sickle Cell Consortium – Mental Health initiative
Platform to address patient/caregiver mental health needs and concerns.
Reference: Sickle Cell Disease Pfizer
Buckeye Health Plan has resources available to support Moms and their babies, who opt to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is incredibly important for both infants and mothers for several reasons:
- Nutritional Benefits: Breast milk provides all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that a baby needs for healthy growth and development. It contains the right balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and is easier for infants to digest compared to formula.
- Immune System Support: Breast milk contains antibodies and other immune-boosting factors that help protect infants from infections and diseases. This is particularly crucial in the early months when a baby’s immune system is still developing.
- Bonding: Breastfeeding fosters a close bond between mother and baby through physical closeness, skin-to-skin contact, and emotional connection.
- Health Benefits for Mothers: Breastfeeding can help mothers recover from childbirth more quickly by promoting uterine contractions and reducing postpartum bleeding. It also lowers the risk of certain cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancer, and can aid in weight loss after pregnancy.
- Economic Benefits: Breastfeeding is cost-effective compared to formula feeding, which can be expensive. It also reduces healthcare costs by lowering the incidence of illnesses in infants.
While breastfeeding offers many benefits, it’s also important to recognize that it might not be possible or the best choice for every family due to various reasons. Support and understanding for different feeding choices are essential in ensuring the health and well-being of both mothers and babies.
Connect your patient to their local WIC office by contacting the Help Me Grow hotline 1-800-755-GROW (1-800-755-4769)
Reference: Women’s Health/Breastfeeding
Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) assessments during medical appointments play a crucial role in providing comprehensive patient care. By evaluating factors such as socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood conditions, and access to healthcare, clinicians can gain a deeper understanding of the influences affecting a patient’s health. This holistic approach allows for tailored interventions that address not only the clinical needs but also the social barriers that may hinder a patient’s ability to maintain or improve their health. Recognizing these determinants is essential for fostering effective communication, building trust, and ensuring that care plans are both relevant and practical.
The Health Equity Specialists are here to assist BHP members with identified social determinants. Using this link, a quick screening can be completed by your identified clinical staff and shared with Buckeye Health Plan to connect patients with Health Equity Specialists to provide support and connect to community resources.
Together, we can assist in providing effective, personalized care and a more equitable healthcare system for all.
Magoon, V. (2022) ‘Screening for Social Determinants of Health in Daily Practice.’, PubMed, 29(2), pp. 6–11.
African American men's health encompasses a complex interplay of societal, cultural, and biological factors that significantly impact their well-being. African American men experience disproportionately high rates of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and prostate cancer, often diagnosed at later stages when treatment options are limited. Addressing these disparities requires multifaceted approaches, including increasing access to quality healthcare, culturally competent medical services, community outreach, and targeted health education initiatives. By prioritizing equitable healthcare access and promoting holistic wellness strategies, we can work towards eliminating disparities and improving the overall health outcomes of African American men.
Buckeye Health Plan and providers are working together to support our African American men, with education and information for preventative efforts to save lives early.
See our website page customized for Minority Men's Health.
Did you know we have a mobile unit available to you for clinical services?
Buckeye is looking for provider partners to staff our mobile unit: this could be practitioners, physician assistants and/or certified nurse practitioners with accompanying nurses to provide clinical services. Our goal is to help as many Ohioans as possible by meeting them where they are to get the care, resources, and services they need. Although Buckeye will focus on identifying members with care gaps, there is no expectation to limit outreach and services to only include Buckeye members. Clinical staff can provide services to their patients and community members according to their administrative policies, billing, and strategic initiatives.
Some of the HEDIS measures that can be provided with our mobile van:
- Controlling High Blood Pressure
- Adult BMI Assessment
- Vaccinations
- Diabetes Control/Cholesterol
Our mobile van is on YouTube to view and if interested in partnering with us, access our Buckeye Mobile Van page of our website.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, 33% of American adults are at risk for kidney disease (yes, one in three people), and Kidney health is important for everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity. However, certain minority groups, such as African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders, are at higher risk for kidney disease and related complications compared to the general population. This increased risk is often due to genetic factors, socioeconomic disparities, and higher rates of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which are major risk factors for kidney disease.
Kidney disease is a silent epidemic affecting millions worldwide, often unrecognized until it reaches advanced stages. As advocates for kidney health awareness, it is crucial to shed light on the significance of early detection and management. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) not only impacts kidney function but also poses risks for cardiovascular disease and other complications. By raising awareness about risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, we can empower individuals to take proactive steps in maintaining kidney health
Buckeye Health Plan serves a very diverse and multicultural member pool. Here are some tips to guide education on kidney wellness:
1. Regular Health Check-ups: It's important for individuals, especially those at higher risk, to have regular check-ups with healthcare providers. This allows for early detection and management of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which can contribute to kidney disease.
2. Manage Blood Pressure and Diabetes: Keeping blood pressure and blood sugar levels under control is crucial for kidney health. This may involve medication, lifestyle changes (such as a healthy diet and regular exercise), and regular monitoring.
3. Stay Hydrated: Drinking an adequate amount of water is important for kidney function. However, individuals with certain kidney conditions may need to limit their fluid intake, so it's essential to follow healthcare provider recommendations.
4. Quit Smoking: Smoking can damage blood vessels, including those in the kidneys, and worsen kidney disease. Quitting smoking can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of kidney complications.
5. Know Your Family History: Understanding your family's medical history can provide insight into potential genetic predispositions for kidney disease or related conditions. This information can help guide preventive measures and screening.
6. Seek Early Treatment: If you experience symptoms like changes in urination, swelling, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss, it's important to seek medical attention promptly. Early detection and treatment can help prevent further kidney damage.
7. Community Support and Education: Community-based programs, support groups, and educational initiatives can play a significant role in raising awareness about kidney health, promoting healthy lifestyles, and providing support for individuals living with kidney disease.
By prioritizing kidney health and implementing preventive measures, individuals from minority communities can reduce their risk of kidney disease and improve overall well-being. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, policymakers, and individuals themselves is key to addressing disparities and promoting kidney health for all.
Minority Health Month is an important observance dedicated to raising awareness about health disparities that affect minority populations and promoting actions to address them. Buckeye Health Plan strives to provide resources to 114,000 identified minority Ohioans and drive initiatives supporting their health and wellness journey. We understand the impact of our minority members and the issues that correlate with healthcare. Together we can assist in improving minority health outcomes; by following these tips and taking proactive steps to address health disparities, we can work towards achieving better health outcomes for minority populations and building healthier, more equitable communities for everyone.
- Education and Awareness: Educate yourself and others about the specific health issues facing minority communities. This could include disparities in access to healthcare, higher rates of certain diseases, and cultural factors influencing health behaviors.
- Promote Preventive Care: Encourage check-ups and annual screenings for common health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers. Many health problems can be better managed or even prevented through early detection and intervention.
- Access to Healthcare: Advocate for improved access to healthcare services in minority communities. This could involve supporting initiatives to increase the number of healthcare facilities, providers, and affordable health insurance options in underserved areas.
- Cultural Competency in Healthcare: Encourage healthcare providers to be culturally competent and sensitive to the needs of minority patients. This includes understanding cultural beliefs, practices, and barriers that may affect healthcare access and treatment adherence.
- Community Outreach and Engagement: Organize or participate in community events, workshops, and health fairs focused on minority health issues. These events can provide valuable information, resources, and support to individuals and families in minority communities.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Work with local organizations, healthcare providers, government agencies, and other stakeholders to develop collaborative approaches to improving minority health outcomes. By pooling resources and expertise, more effective solutions can be implemented.
Remember that addressing health disparities in minority communities requires sustained effort and commitment beyond Minority Health Month. Stay engaged year-round and continue to support initiatives aimed at promoting health equity for all.
Reference: National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
January 23 is Maternal Health Awareness Day and Buckeye Health Plan is committed to providing education to aid in the prevention of preterm births, low birth rates and infant mortality. According to the Ohio Hospital Association, "Ohio’s review of maternal health outcomes reported more than 185 women in the state died from pregnancy-related complications over the nine years studied. Of those deaths, 56% were classified as preventable."
Together we can provide implement prevention tools and strategies to educate patients and members on how to improve their pregnancy related health outcomes by doing the following:
- Discussing birthing plans, catered to the patient’s needs.
- Providing nutrition education while pregnant to promote healthy fetal development.
- Discussing warning signs during pregnancy and delivery.
- Emphasizing the importance of post-partum care for mom and well child visits for baby to eliminate complications and detect any issues.
- Understanding how the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) needs patients experience can impact health outcomes.
- Advocating for policies that improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities.
Throughout 2024, Buckeye is committed to working together with our providers to reduce maternal mortality, improve the health of mothers and newborns, and contribute to overall community well-being.
The flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you from illness. However, flu shots and other preventive health resources aren’t offered or accessed equally across different racial groups.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 2021–2022 season, flu vaccination coverage was 54% among White and Asian adults, 42% among Black adults, 38% among Hispanic adults, and 41% among AI/AN adults. Black, Hispanic, and AI/AN adults were hospitalized with flu at higher rates than White adults during most seasons from 2009 to 2022 (newsmedical.net).
By promoting flu vaccination in culturally and linguistically diverse communities, providers can effectively convey the message that immunization is a universally accessible and essential measure. This inclusivity is crucial in preventing the spread of the flu among non-English-speaking populations, promoting community health, and fostering a sense of collective responsibility in the fight against seasonal influenza.
Buckeye Health Plan serves communities that speak Nepali, Swahili, Somali, Arabic and Spanish. We strive for inclusivity and to ensure that each member understands their health and wellness journey. Providers can access an telephonic interpreter, by calling 1-866-246-4358 which can be found on the Buckeye Health Plan website. We encourage you to have multi language materials available in waiting rooms and within facilities that have patient activity, to share updates and other information with patients. Outreach materials, educational campaigns, and vaccination clinics should be culturally sensitive and linguistically tailored to ensure that everyone, regardless of language background, can access and understand the importance of getting vaccinated; this could include using materials with images representative of those in the community, providing information that is transparent and promotes the benefits of and reasons for vaccination, addressing community-specific concerns and misinformation, such as vaccine side effects or risk, and using the predominant language spoken in the community. This Buckeye Health Plan link can be utilized to share with patients.
References
Ramsey, L. (2023, October 22). CDC report highlights disparities in flu outcomes and vaccination coverage. News Medical Life Science.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness
Medicaid serves over 96,000 individuals throughout Ohio who identify as adults living with hearing difficulty. Buckeye Health Plan, with the assistance of Ohio State University – Wexner Medical Center, would like to provide accessibility training for providers with deaf and hard of hearing patients.
This training conveys insight for providers on the barriers and needs of patients to navigate through health care appointments and/or phone calls. Participants will gain effective communication strategies and ensure provider practices are well-versed on how to best support patients. You can access the interactive training here.
For additional resources, visit our Health Equity Resources website page.
Disclaimer: This training does not qualify for CME credits
Nepali Speaking Members
Buckeye Health Plan recognizes Nepali as the highest non-English speaking language of our members. We currently serve 3,070 Nepali speaking members (70% female/29% male) with the majority living in Summit, Franklin, Butler, Licking and Hamilton County. Nepalese society is multicultural and multiethnic. Cultural factors like beliefs, perception and behaviors can have a great impact on decision making processes related to health care utilization and adherence.
As part of our commitment to cultural competence, we would like to share several tips for engaging our Nepali speaking members:
- In greeting and welcoming into your office, eye contact is generally kept to a minimum, so don’t be offended if it is not matched.
- Wait for initiation of handshake, especially with women, as they may not be comfortable touching the opposite gender; there may be a light grip w/handshake and always use your right hand.
- Buddhism & Hinduism are religious beliefs practiced in their community and defines the laws of healthcare and treatment; traditional home remedies are utilized to treat illness and some diseas are considered a “bad person’s karma”. Patients may need encouragement and positive reinforcement to feel comfortable sharing their use of traditional practices with providers.
- Sexual education is not openly discussed and causes awkwardness with women; due to religious beliefs, contraceptives are forbidden. Additionally, due to traditional gender roles, mothers may be hesitant to describe their own health concerns but will voice the health concerns of their children or spouse
- Lastly, if when conversating with a Nepali speaking patient, if there are misunderstandings, please ask to repeat yet be sensitive to how accent barriers can cause embarrassment and suggest interpreter services.
Sources