To date, the partnership has:
- Engaged nearly 4,000 community members
- Educated more than 2,000 Medicaid-eligible individuals
- Completed SDOH screening surveys for 92% of those engaged
- Connected over 600 CareFirst members to local resources like SNAP enrollment and doctor appointments
To date, the partnership has:
-
Engaged nearly
4,000
community members -
Educated more than
2,000
Medicaid-eligible individuals -
92%
Completed SDOH screening engagement surveys
-
Connected over
600
CareFirst members to local resources like SNAP enrollment and doctor appointments
Promoting health equity means meeting people where they are—literally. Through an innovative partnership, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Plan Maryland (CareFirst CHPMD) and Fabric Health are delivering care coordination services in an unexpected but trusted place: the local laundromat.
Reaching Communities Where They Are
Since March 2024, English and Spanish-speaking care coordinators have been stationed at laundromats in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties in Maryland. These trusted team members connect CareFirst CHPMD members and Medicaid-eligible individuals to vital resources, benefits and services. By creating a welcoming environment for health conversations, the program helps overcome social drivers of health (SDOH) and expands access to care.
“Since launching our partnership with Fabric Health, we have been able to engage nearly 4,000 community members at laundromats who are now better informed about what healthcare and social services are available to them and their families. Meeting members in these non-traditional healthcare spaces and building trust in the process is what makes this partnership unique. We have the opportunity to help individuals connect to care and learn about their benefits with CareFirst CHPMD at a time and place that works for them.”
Sheila Yahyazadeh, Chief External Operations Officer, CareFirst CHPMD
Trusted Engagement, Lasting Impact
This partnership leverages the strengths of both organizations. Fabric Health brings “trusted, last-mile engagement” to busy families in communities facing significant health disparities. CareFirst, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit healthcare companies, demonstrates its commitment to reducing health inequities by creating meaningful touchpoints with underserved populations.
“By meeting families at laundromats where they already are, we turn a weekly chore into meaningful time to get, understand and use CareFirst CHPMD benefits.”
Allister Chang, Co-Founder of Fabric Health
Supporting Medicaid Redetermination and Beyond
A key aspect of the partnership is helping individuals and families enroll or reenroll in Medicaid. This Medicaid Redetermination effort responds to the “unwinding” of the continuous enrollment condition authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which has resulted in nearly a quarter million Marylanders losing coverage—mostly for procedural reasons.
“Reaching and connecting with individuals eligible for Medicaid is critical for our ability to support their health needs. By working with Fabric Health, we can reach the Medicaid population where and when they have time to discuss their health, their concerns and to help navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.”
Mike Rapach, President and CEO of CareFirst CHPMD and Senior Vice President of Government Programs of CareFirst
The program also supports uninsured individuals. Care coordinators help them understand Medicaid eligibility, gather required documentation and help determine whether a plan covers their preferred doctors and prescriptions.
Additionally, individuals can complete health screeners to identify SDOH and receive referrals to resources that may improve their overall health. Based on screener responses, Fabric Health team members help guests apply for public benefits, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP).
This partnership is one of several ongoing initiatives supported by CareFirst to advance the accessibility, affordability and quality of healthcare in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia.
Read more about our partnership with Fabric Health here.
To learn more about CareFirst CHPMD’s innovative programs to meet members where they are, visit carefirst.com/medicaid.