CareFirst, Live Chair pilot program to increase health care access in Md.

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CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Plan Maryland and Live Chair Health Monday announced they are partnering to bring greater health care access to residents in Baltimore City as well as Prince George’s, Montgomery and Baltimore counties.

Andrew Suggs founded Live Chair following his father’s death in 2020. He is on a mission to save lives by reaching underserved community members where they are — first in salons and barbershops and now expanding into other community-based organizations, such as Faith institutions and housing developments, among others. This type of on-the-ground engagement significantly impacts the lives of minority communities by empowering them with the knowledge and resources they need to stay well.

According to CareFirst CHPMD, about 40% of its Medicaid recipients have not seen a primary care physician in the past 12 months. Seeking preventive care before experiencing a significant health event can prevent potentially lengthy hospital stays or emergency department visits and reduce health care costs.

In Prince George’s, Montgomery and Baltimore counties, Live Chair will reach out to CareFirst CHPMD members each month to act as an access point into the health care system to help improve health outcomes at a community level: helping members understand their benefits, choose a physician, and schedule their first appointment. One added layer is working with the CareFirst CHPMD care management team to close social determinants of health gaps that are identified.

CareFirst CHPMD was first introduced to Live Chair through 1501 Health, which is the year-long incubation and investment program from CareFirst’s innovation and investment arm, Healthworx, and LifeBridge Health. This payer-provider partnership offers early-stage companies with investment, expertise and support. Live Chair was a member of the first cohort.

Concurrent with this pilot, CareFirst and Live Chair are working together to close the gap in lead-based screenings for children. Recognizing that some families are hesitant about answering phone calls from insurance companies or unknown numbers, Live Chair will run lead-based educational events and leverage community health workers to reach out to residents to talk about the importance of lead-based screenings and assist with scheduling appointments.