Catalyst for Payment Reform’s Health Plan User Groups (HPUGs) offer a forum for a substantive and nutrient-rich two-way dialogue between CPR Members and Coalition Partner Members on a variety of current and high-priority topics.

In the Q3 HPUG meetings, plans will share their strategies for improving health equity and reducing disparities in access, treatment and outcomes.

Healthy People 2020 defines a health disparity as, “a particular type of health difference that is closely linked with social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantage.”  Trend data from 1999-2018 show a widening gap in the prevalence of chronic conditions between people of color and non-Hispanic white Americans.  Moreover, while the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic – not only in terms of disease burden, but also in terms of its effect on health disparities – is unknown, Kaiser Family Foundation research finds that “the pandemic has taken a disproportionate toll on the financial security and mental health and well-being of people of color, low-income people, LGBT people, and other underserved groups.”

The opportunity to improve health equity relies on collaboration among health plans, purchasers, and the health care delivery system.  Addressing health disparities must begin with understanding the nature and scope of the problem.  Purchasers need data from their health plan partners to formulate strategies and adopt programs to improve health outcomes across their covered populations.

Members will gain insight into how health plans are currently measuring disparities as well as key findings related to the data.

If you are a CPR Member and do not have the meeting invites on your calendar, please reach out to Ryan Olmstead, director of member services.

Contact us if you are interested in learning more about CPR Membership.