At CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, we believe that genuine human connection is at the heart of every successful health initiative. When individuals engage with peers who share their lived experiences, they build trust—often more effectively than through traditional healthcare interactions. This trust opens the door to preventive care, early intervention and ongoing engagement. By supporting peer-led models, we’re breaking down barriers, fostering community and improving health outcomes for those who need it most.
This understanding is the foundation of the partnership between CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Plan Maryland (CareFirst CHPMD) and Wider Circle.
Expanding Peer Support for Medicaid Members
Launched in 2024, the Connect for Life program supports Maryland Medicaid members by building trusted peer networks that encourage primary care engagement and prevention. The program includes in-person and virtual events, health education discussions and community referrals to help address social drivers of health (SDOH).
In April 2025, the partnership expanded to include a maternity cohort—offering culturally relevant support for new and expectant parents navigating Medicaid. In Maryland, where Medicaid covers nearly 40% of all births, many families in underserved communities face challenges accessing consistent, coordinated care. CareFirst CHPMD and Wider Circle are working to close this gap and connect families with the right support at the right time.
“We are proud to expand this partnership and bring our trusted model to bear on one of the most critical health equity challenges facing Medicaid programs today: maternal health. By building strong community networks and placing peer connections at the center of engagement, we can support moms on Medicaid in navigating care, overcoming barriers, and improving outcomes—not just for them, but for the next generation. That means healthier births, stronger postpartum engagement, and early support for critical milestones like well-child visits and childhood vaccinations.”
Darin Buxbaum, CEO of Wider Circle
A Trusted Model for Maternal Health
Through in-person gatherings and virtual engagements, Wider Circle builds peer-led communities in familiar spaces—fostering trust and connecting members to resources that support both medical and social needs, keeping them engaged in care.
The new Maternal Health Program supports Maryland’s Medicaid priorities by providing:
- Emotional and social support throughout pregnancy and the first year postpartum
- Help navigating Medicaid-covered services, including prenatal and behavioral health
- Connections to non-medical supports such as nutrition, transportation and housing stability
- Reinforcement of health literacy and self-efficacy through culturally relevant peer relationships
“Improving maternal health means more than offering additional services—it means making care feel connected and human by providing those services at the time they are most meaningful to our members. Through our partnership with Wider Circle, we’re strengthening families during one of the most important times in their lives and driving towards improving maternal health outcomes in Maryland.”
Sheila Yahyazadeh, Chief of External Operations, CareFirst CHPMD
To learn more about CareFirst CHPMD’s innovative programs to meet members where they are, visit carefirst.com/medicaid.