Virtual Capitol Hill Briefing: COVID-19
BCBSA hosted a virtual Capitol Hill Briefing on COVID-19 focusing on how to increase confidence in vaccines, particularly among vulnerable populations. Since the start of this health crisis, Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies across the country have been leveraging key resources to help individuals, communities and the health care system as whole fight the pandemic.
At the briefing, BCBSA President and CEO Kim Keck outlined support for key provisions in the latest COVID-19 relief package, including additional testing and contact tracing, access to equitably distributed vaccines and broadening access to health care coverage by bolstering the Affordable Care Act and providing financial assistance for those who are unemployed and need to maintain coverage through COBRA.
Watch the full briefing here.
Where the Federal Response Stands
Dr. B. Cameron Webb, senior policy advisor for COVID-19 equity on the White House COVID-19 Response Team noted how the pandemic sits at the intersection of health and social justice as the virus is impacting communities differently. He noted that equity needs to be part of the conversation for every aspect and dynamic of the COVID-19 health crisis, from testing and supply chain issues to education and vaccination. Success for us all comes from the commitment and investment in addressing equity.
The new COVID-19 relief package builds upon previous relief bills and continues to address inequities in health. Emily Spain, chief of staff to Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE) joined to offer insight on what we can expect from this Congress going forward.
Data-Driven Approach to Addressing Inequity
An innovative collaboration between BlueCross and BlueShield of Tennessee and Meharry Medical College is using anonymized medical claims, data on social vulnerabilities and on previous vaccine hesitancy to identify individuals and communities most at risk for vaccine reluctance. Using data-based mapping, they are developing precise interventions for specific communities to support widespread vaccination.
Watch the full briefing here.
Additional Resource:
- Read our joint letter with AHIP to Congressional leaders on next steps for COVID-19 relief.
