Humana Releases Results from Innovative Health Literacy and Healthcare Discrimination Screenings Pilot

Rhea-AI Summary

Humana Inc. releases findings of a pilot study focusing on structural determinants of health, such as perceived discrimination and health literacy. The study marks the first of its kind conducted by a national health plan, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of its members' experiences and develop targeted interventions. Key findings include 20% of respondents reporting low health literacy, 88% of perceived healthcare discrimination respondents being Black, and the correlation between low health literacy and factors like income and loneliness.

Insights

Health Policy Expert

Understanding the structural determinants of health, such as discrimination and health literacy, is essential for creating equitable healthcare systems. Humana's initiative to incorporate these factors into their screening process is a significant step towards addressing health disparities. By identifying barriers that traditionally underserved populations face, Humana can tailor interventions to improve health outcomes. This proactive approach aligns with broader industry trends towards value-based care, where patient outcomes are prioritized over service volume. The focus on Medicare Advantage members is particularly pertinent, as this demographic often includes older adults who may be more vulnerable to the negative impacts of low health literacy and discrimination.

The findings of the study, especially the high incidence of perceived healthcare discrimination among Black respondents, underscore the ongoing challenges in achieving health equity. This data could potentially influence policy discussions and resource allocation within the healthcare sector, leading to more culturally competent care and targeted educational programs. The long-term implications for stakeholders include potentially reduced healthcare costs due to better management of chronic conditions and improved patient engagement.

Market Research Analyst

The insights gained from Humana's pilot study could have a substantial impact on the company's market positioning. By taking a leadership role in addressing structural determinants of health, Humana may enhance its brand image and competitive edge. Consumer preferences are increasingly shifting towards companies that demonstrate social responsibility and Humana’s commitment to health equity could attract and retain members who value these initiatives.

From an investor's perspective, Humana's focus on innovative screening methods and subsequent program development could signal long-term growth potential. The company's ability to effectively address the needs of a diverse member base can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, which are critical factors in the highly competitive health insurance market. However, the costs associated with implementing these screening programs and interventions should be monitored, as they could impact profit margins if not managed efficiently.

Medical Research Analyst

The results of Humana's study highlight the correlation between health literacy, racial disparities and socioeconomic status. The finding that 20% of respondents reported low or limited health literacy is a concern, as health literacy is linked to an individual's ability to make informed health decisions. The pilot's methodology, using evidence-based, validated screening instruments, adds credibility to the findings and could serve as a model for other health plans. This approach to screening could lead to more personalized healthcare, with interventions designed to improve health literacy and reduce perceived discrimination.

Further research could investigate the impact of these interventions on healthcare utilization patterns, medication adherence and overall health outcomes. It would also be beneficial to explore the scalability of such programs and their effectiveness across different populations and geographic regions. The pilot's emphasis on feasibility suggests that Humana is considering the practical aspects of widespread implementation, which is crucial for the success of such initiatives.

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM), a leading U.S. health insurer and healthcare services company, continues to make strides in advancing health equity by releasing the findings of its new pilot study published in the American Journal of Managed Care. Humana’s screenings analysis marks the first study conducted by a national health plan, focusing on the often overlooked but critical aspects of structural determinants of health, like perceived discrimination and health literacy.

“Learnings from this pilot have been very informative for our business and have led to a number of programs and interventions across the [Humana] enterprise,” said J. Nwando Olayiwola, MD, MPH, Chief Health Equity Officer & SVP at Humana. “We have expanded screening to digital and live modalities, strengthened our staff capabilities around understanding and responding to low/limited health literacy, and improved engagement with our members. This is the goal of any thoughtful screening programs- leveraging insights for tangible action.”

While many health plans screen for social determinants of health— conditions in which people live, work, play, learn, and worship— few systematically screen patients for structural determinants of health, which are the economic and social experiences and policies that influence health, such as discrimination and health literacy.

Humana has taken a decisive step forward by analytically screening patients for structural determinants of health, which significantly influence one's overall health and well-being. With this pilot screening, Humana aims to gain a deeper understanding of its members' experiences, allowing for the development of targeted interventions that effectively address these barriers.

The recently conducted pilot by Humana focused on the feasibility of screening newly enrolled Medicare Advantage members for health literacy and perceived healthcare discrimination via a carefully administered telephonic survey. The results revealed varying levels of feasibility for health literacy and perceived healthcare discrimination screenings, with health literacy yielding a higher response rate. Other key findings from the pilot study include:

• Nearly 20% of respondents reported low/ limited health literacy.
• An overwhelming 88% of respondents who reported perceived healthcare discrimination were Black.
• Patients who reported low/limited health literacy were more likely to be Black, have a low income, and report feelings of loneliness/ isolation or food insecurity.

Candy Magaña, MPA, Director of Health Equity Innovation, Solutions, and Transformation at Humana, emphasizes the importance of this study, stating, “Because the literature on implementing these screenings in managed care settings is so limited, we felt it was important to understand the feasibility of screening using evidence-based, validated screening instruments and train our staff to administer them. This builds off our longstanding expertise in screening members for various social needs.”

About Humana

Humana Inc. is committed to putting health first – for our teammates, customers, and company. Through our Humana insurance services and our CenterWell health care services, we make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at Humana.com and at CenterWell.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240207736967/en/

Jasmine Weatherby

Humana Corporate Communications

Email: jweatherby@humana.com

Source: Humana Inc.

FAQ

What is the focus of Humana's pilot study?

The focus of Humana's pilot study is on structural determinants of health, including perceived discrimination and health literacy.

Where was the pilot study findings published?

The findings of the pilot study were published in the American Journal of Managed Care.

What are some key findings from the pilot study?

Key findings from the pilot study include 20% of respondents reporting low health literacy, 88% of perceived healthcare discrimination respondents being Black, and the correlation between low health literacy and factors like income and loneliness.

What is the goal of Humana's screening programs?

The goal of Humana's screening programs is to leverage insights for tangible action and develop targeted interventions to address barriers related to structural determinants of health.

Who is J. Nwando Olayiwola, MD, MPH?

J. Nwando Olayiwola, MD, MPH is the Chief Health Equity Officer & SVP at Humana.

What did the pilot study focus on?

The pilot study focused on the feasibility of screening newly enrolled Medicare Advantage members for health literacy and perceived healthcare discrimination via a telephonic survey.