Wider Circle’s Peer-Driven Approach Supports Rural Communities, Fostering Greater Health and Vitality for Highmark Members

Redwood City, CA (December 12, 2024) – Wider Circle, a company focused on building communities to improve health and quality of life through trusted connections, has joined with Highmark Health Options West Virginia (HHO WV), the state’s newest managed care organization, to drive improved health outcomes for its members.  Beginning on day one of HHO WV’s market entry, Wider Circle’s peer-to-peer approach has been included in HHO WV’s benefit offerings, helping the organization overcome health care challenges of its members, especially those living in rural communities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the age-adjusted death rate in rural America is 20% higher than in urban areas, affecting 46 million Americans living in rural regions. And, according to a Commonwealth Fund report, people living in rural parts of America are more likely to skip needed care due to costs compared to rural communities in other high-income countries.

Wider Circle’s program, led by trusted local community members, has already shown success in rural communities throughout the country. By driving strong community engagement, the program has increased the number of in-home health assessments and the use of preventive care services. Wider Circle’s model has been actuarially validated and shown to lower health plan disenrollment rates by 50%, reduce hospital stays, and save more than $100 per member each month for Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans.

“West Virginia is among the most rural states in the country,” said Jason Landers, president, Highmark Health Options West Virginia, “and health care resources in these areas can be inadequate. We are committed to building networks and relationships that bridge these barriers to care and increase access to critical health care resources in our rural communities. We welcome the expertise and proven success of Wider Circle to help accelerate our efforts.”

Wider Circle’s approach is powered by people and enabled by technology and data analytics. The company recruits local community members to lead its programs, using advanced data science to group members effectively.  This unique combination allows Wider Circle to overcome barriers to health care, particularly in rural areas.

“By integrating our community-first model right from the start, Highmark Health Options West Virginia ensures that their members, especially those in rural areas, have the support and connections they need to overcome barriers to care. We have long maintained that building trust and engagement early on is crucial for improving health outcomes. We are committed to working with Highmark Health Options West Virginia to create a strong Wider Circle community as a foundation that encourages preventive care and helps members feel empowered to take control of their health.”

This relationship follows Wider Circle’s recent expansions in Arizona and Maryland, where it supports Medicare and Medicaid members by building community connections, educating them on preventive care, and keeping them engaged with health care providers.

About Wider Circle

Wider Circle works with health plans and providers nationally to deliver unique community care programs that connect neighbors for better health. Centered on trusted relationships, Wider Circle connects health plan members with like-minded neighbors to inform, support and motivate one another, empowering them to be more proactive about their health. Wider Circle’s trusted delivery network has been proven to drive resilience, improve member experience and engagement, and reduce inappropriate utilization and has been published in the peer-reviewed literature. Today, Wider Circle offers its unique neighborhood care programs to tens of thousands of communities nationwide. To learn more, visit widercircle.com.  

About Highmark Health Options West Virginia

Highmark Health Options West Virginia is a managed care organization serving West Virginians who qualify for Medicaid. We help each of our members receive the care and services they need to live healthier and more independent lives, and we collaborate with providers and regulators to improve health outcomes, simplify the health care experience, and ensure affordability. Highmark Health Options West Virginia members include individuals and families with low income or complex health and social needs, expectant mothers, children, and people with disabilities. Learn more at wv.highmarkhealthoptions.com

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Press Contact:

Wider Circle – Jennifer St. Clair

Jennifer@hellostclair.com

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