start portlet menu bar end portlet menu bar

HEALTH EQUITY REPORT

Chronic condition health disparities

High blood pressure often leads to heart disease and stroke, which are common causes of death in Tennessee. Multiracial Tennesseans are more likely to have heart disease than White and Black population.
Two senior men sitting outside and talking
start portlet menu bar end portlet menu bar
start portlet menu bar end portlet menu bar
WHAT WE KNOW

Health disparities have led to higher rates of chronic conditions among minority populations

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 chronic condition health disparities in Tennessee1

Black individuals have significantly higher prevalence of diabetes at
17.5%
compared to 13.8% of White individuals
 
27.7%
of adults don't exercise or get regular physical activity outside of work
In 2022
16.8%
of Tennesseans had three or more chronic conditions, compared to 11.2% of the U.S.
 
37.6%
of adults have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, which is considered obese

start portlet menu bar end portlet menu bar
By the numbers: chronic condition management for

This data shows how likely members are to receive certain screenings, care or treatments, broken down by race. Each data measure has a specific definition provided under “See More.”

We split the data by type of health plan because we know that, generally speaking, Medicaid members tend to face more social risk factors and health disparities than people with commercial health plans.

start portlet menu bar end portlet menu bar

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
start portlet menu bar end portlet menu bar
Two senior women working out together indoors

Addressing social drivers of health related to chronic health conditions

We're providing culturally competent care training to health care providers to help members get the support they need and to address health disparities preventing members from managing their chronic health conditions.

ADVANCING HEALTH EQUITY
Two senior women working out together indoors
start portlet menu bar end portlet menu bar

Data Sources

The NCQA HEDIS measure specification has been adjusted pursuant to NCQA’s Rules for Allowable Adjustments of HEDIS. The adjusted measure specification may be used only for internal quality improvement purposes.

All stratified rates are based on data from BCBST administrative systems only. No attempt was made to manually abstract data from patients’ medical records.

HEDIS® – The Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) is a registered trademark of NCQA.