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HEALTH EQUITY REPORT

COVID-19 health disparities

The ongoing pandemic has shown us more about the lingering effects of historic inequities in the health care system. It's also revealed that some communities are hesitant to trust providers and emerging treatments.
Woman proudly pointing to a band aid on her arm where she was vaccinated against COVID-19
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WHAT WE KNOW

COVID-19 outcomes were worse for some minorities, and some communities were more hesitant to get vaccinated against the virus1.

Everyone deserves to pursue their health goals, but some communities have historically been left behind. We’re committed to health equity, and it starts with a better understanding of the challenges our neighbors face.

Key facts about COVID-19 in Tennessee2

Black Tennesseans accounted for
28%
of COVID-19 deaths of Tennesseans 50 years and younger
Black Tennesseans accounted for
21%
of COVID-19 hospitalizations
Hispanic Tennesseans accounted for
8%
of COVID-19 deaths of Tennesseans 40 years and younger
Only
46%
of Black Tennesseans are vaccinated, the lowest rate among any demographic category in the state

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By the numbers: COVID-19 claims for BlueCross members3

Understanding the data will pave the way for us to make progress. Of our BlueCross Commercial and Medicaid (BlueCare TN) membership, the following racial inequalities were measured during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We used claims data to measure how likely members of each racial or ethnic group were to be:

  • Diagnosed with COVID
  • Hospitalized with COVID, or
  • Treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) because of COVID.

Many Tennesseans were tested by local health departments or used at-home tests, and those results aren’t typically counted in our claims data.

Get statewide and county-by-county data on COVID-19 from the State of Tennessee’s COVID-19 data hub.

Asian

5.1%

Black

8.3%

Hispanic

6.4%

White

7.9%

COVID-19 Positive Cases
Percentage of members within racial group who had COVID-19 (based on claims data)
 ▼
 ▼

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Social factors drive health outcomes

We know that food, housing and literacy are just a few of the social factors that influence a person's health journey. That's why we developed a Social Risk Index to understand and support our members' needs.

FIND OUT MORE
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BCBST employees volunteering at vaccination sites during the COVID-19 pandemic

EDUCATION AND ACCESS

How we supported minority communities throughout the pandemic

We worked with community partners across Tennessee to help people protect themselves and their families from COVID-19.


  • BlueCross used social media and coordinated with minority-focused media outlets to share reliable information on the virus and vaccines
  • Our foundation awarded $1.7 million to community-led campaigns to promote COVID-19 vaccination efforts
  • Our foundation also gave $5 million to food banks across the state to help Tennessee families stay fed and healthy

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Young child laughing at her parents while sitting on couch

Addressing social needs

We're working with health care providers and community partners to meet needs and make progress.

SEE OUR STRATEGY
Young child laughing at her parents while sitting on couch