CareFirst CHPMD's Transformative Programs Meet Members Where They Are

From placing bilingual care coordinators in local laundromats to provide immediate support, to offering virtual primary care through the CloseKnit for same-day visits, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Plan Maryland (CareFirst CHPMD)—the fastest-growing Medicaid plan in Maryland—has reimagined access to healthcare. Our transformative initiatives are designed to meet members exactly when and where they need care.

We are continuing to innovate through a partnership with Zócalo Health, a virtual primary care group aimed at improving patient experience and access for Hispanic and Latinx communities. The partnership expands access to culturally responsive healthcare and has the potential to close gaps in chronic disease outcomes for CareFirst CHPMD members.

“We are committed to simplifying access to meaningful, culturally responsive care, and our partnership with Zócalo Health is a powerful extension of our mission,” said Mike Rapach, President and CEO of CareFirst CHPMD. “Together, we are creating easier ways into the healthcare system, helping Hispanic and Latinx community members not only receive the care they need, but also feel seen, heard and supported in the process. This is how we support our communities' efforts for improved health”

Zócalo Health’s care delivery model relies on virtual primary care with the trusted presence of local promotoras de salud or community health workers (CHWs) and care coordinators. CareFirst CHPMD members will be able to engage with Zócalo Health at CareFirst engagement centers, health fairs and other places close to home. The result is whole-person care that addresses both medical and social needs.

“We go where [members] are, with trusted CHWs speaking their language to deliver solutions without stress or fear,” said Erik Cardenas, CEO of Zócalo Health. “We treat the whole person because we know that if someone doesn’t have access to nutritious food, can’t get to a pharmacy, or doesn’t have a safe place to sleep, they cannot thrive.”

Zócalo Health’s approach reflects a growing trend in CareFirst CHPMD’s innovative programming, which focuses on addressing barriers to optimum health and continuous healthcare to promote health and well-being. For example:

1. CareFirst CHPMD’s Baby Steps program, supports expectant mothers by coordinating prenatal care, providing nutritional support with healthy meal delivery throughout the pregnancy, educational resources and postpartum care, including mental health resources and breastfeeding support.
2. Our Diabetes Prevention Program provides personalized health coaching, nutrition education, encouragement and resources to increase physical activity and regular screening.
3. Our Transportation Assistance program helps members get to and from medical appointments, pharmacy visits and other essential health-related destinations.
4. And our Over-the-Counter (OTC) benefits provide easy access to necessary health items, covering items such as vitamins, first aid supplies, pain relievers and other essential health products without a prescription.

Through these innovative programs, we’re continuing to redefine healthcare accessibility and quality for our members. By prioritizing whole-person care and addressing both medical and social drivers of health, CareFirst CHPMD and its partners are making strides to create a healthcare system where every member feels seen, heard and supported, paving the way for healthier, more resilient communities.

For more information on CareFirst CHPMD and these transformative health programs, please visit carefirst.com/medicaid.