Highmark Wholecare recognized for health equity leadership by National Committee of Quality Assurance

• Distinctions signify health plan’s strong commitment to providing culturally appropriate and inclusive care.
• Accreditations recognize community-facing programs and initiatives that address identified social risks and social needs.
• Recognition builds upon Highmark Wholecare’s long-term support of cultural diversity and inclusivity.

PITTSBURGH (May 9, 2024) – Highmark Wholecare, a leading Pennsylvania-based Medicaid and Medicare managed care organization, was recently awarded Health Equity Accreditation and Health Equity Accreditation Plus distinctions from the National Committee of Quality Assurance (NCQA). Highmark Wholecare was awarded Multicultural Health Care (MHC) Distinction in 2020 and maintained that designation until 2022 when MHC was retired and Health Equity Accreditation and Healthy Equity Accreditation Plus were launched.

Health Equity Accreditation and Health Equity Accreditation Plus are a guide of industry best standards to advance health equity. They are a framework for health plans to continually improve and prioritize member needs and the communities served by the plan.

"We are proud to be recognized by the NCQA for leadership in cultural diversity and inclusivity, both within our own organization and the communities that we serve,” said Ellen Duffield, president and CEO, Highmark Wholecare. “This accomplishment reflects years of intentional focus and the hard work of team members who breathe life into our goals and ideals, including health access and equity for all.”

Health Equity Accreditation focuses on a health plan’s internal processes such as building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce, while Health Equity Accreditation Plus applies to organizations further along on their health equity journey and focuses on community. The intent of Health Equity Accreditation Plus is to recognize programs and partnerships that address the identified social risks and social needs of the communities served by the health plan.

Highmark Wholecare was an early adopter for Healthy Equity Accreditation and Health Equity Accreditation Plus, completing both programs within the first year of their release by NCQA.

As a community-based health plan that prioritizes whole person care for its 350,000 members, Highmark Wholecare addresses barriers to care through its many social determinants of health (SDoH) programs, making it well-positioned to meet the community standards set by Health Equity Accreditation Plus – a position strengthened by team member commitment to volunteerism. Community SDoH needs met by programs managed, funded or otherwise supported by Highmark Wholecare include food and housing insecurity, transportation, education and employment.

Duffield added, “We believe strongly that healthy communities support healthy individuals, which is why we pride ourselves on meeting people in the communities where they live. We partner daily with many frontline nonprofits and community organizations to address the social needs of our members. Our commitment to volunteerism, and its ability enhance our community impact, is a source of pride for every member of the Highmark Wholecare team.”

The Health Equity Accreditation and Health Equity Accreditation Plus distinctions are presented every three years by NCQA.