Making healthcare work for all of us
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is working to improve the health and well-being of Rhode Islanders by leading access to high quality, affordable, and equitable care. Our journey to ensure our members have access to quality and equitable care involves gathering information to help us better understand their healthcare needs.
This Health Equity Report was created from 2023 claims data from our Rhode Island adult members, using measures widely leveraged by health plans and clinicians to monitor healthcare quality. You’ll see that the report shows racial and ethnic inequities in several areas of care.
To build a better system, we need the best information
That’s why we’re inviting you to tell us more about yourself. These responses won’t affect your coverage or premiums, but they will help us identify where parts of the healthcare system work and where they fall short. This will lay the groundwork for new programs and solutions that support more inclusive, affordable, and accessible care for all.
We hope you’ll participate (it won’t take long). You’ll find the questions in the My Account section of myBCBSRI or when you first register your myBCBSRI account.
Making pregnancy and childbirth safer
Everyone wants the best pregnancy and childbirth care available, regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, or zip code.
Our comprehensive maternal care program is designed to help reduce the risk of premature birth, low birthweight, and pregnancy-related complications, particularly among pregnant people of color, and provide support for those experiencing postpartum depression.
Other areas of focus include support for doula education and training, increased representation among doulas, and implicit bias training for healthcare providers.
Providing a Safe Zone for affirming care
The BCBSRI Safe Zone certification program recognizes healthcare facilities and other health-related organizations that have demonstrated their commitment to delivering safe, affirming, and inclusive care to the LGBTQ community.
BCBSRI has certified 70+ Safe Zone practices across Rhode Island, including primary and pediatric care, behavioral health, hospice, and assisted living, as well as locations for members who have experienced domestic abuse, sexual trauma, or substance use disorder.
In addition, BCBSRI has added gender-affirming care and coverage to our policies.
Highlighting and addressing social determinants of health
Social determinants of health—like safe, stable housing and consistent access to nutritious food—affect up to 80% of all health outcomes, experts tell us.
BCBSRI created the RI Life Index, with the Brown University School of Public Health, to track Rhode Islanders’ perceptions of social determinants of health. With this data we can more effectively work with our partners to address social factors that negatively impact all Rhode Islanders.
Ensuring more people have a place to call home
Through community investments and support for important policy initiatives, BCBSRI is contributing to efforts to produce and preserve safe, stable, and affordable housing for Rhode Islanders of all ages.
Working to alleviate hunger
Too many of our neighbors don't have enough to eat. At both the employee and corporate level, BCBSRI supports local organizations like the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, and Southside Community Land Trust that are helping to bring nutritious food to hungry Rhode Islanders.