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Addressing Social Determinants of Health

Date: 05/13/21

In the last few years, Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) has become a focus in health care. SDoH are conditions in the environments in which people are born, grow, live, work and age that can influence a member’s health and well-being, including access to health care and basic services, such as transportation, housing, food and medications. Superior works to enhance quality of life for members by striving to address health disparities and SDoH factors that can affect members’ health, daily functions and quality of life outcomes.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified both the impact and importance of SDoH, and there has been renewed focus around SDoH providing updated guidance on how to identify areas of need and more importantly how to respond to those needs.

One key SDoH focus is social isolation, which is the absence of social connection and a disconnection from others. Due to COVID-19 and the current social distancing guidelines, the risk for social isolation may be increased. According to the American Psychological Association, the negative effect that social isolation can have on a person is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day or having an alcohol use disorder. With these types of comparisons, the impact of social isolation can also lead to pre-mature mortality. While older adults appear most at risk for social isolation, many other demographic factors can increase the risk of social isolation. This can include individuals with disabilities limiting their mobility, limited transportation or limited opportunities/resources to engage with other individuals.

In response to social isolation, Superior’s goal is to build social connectedness. There are varieties of ways to work towards this goal. One of the first steps is to have the member take an inventory of the relationships they have in their life, the role these relationships play and the depth of the relationship. As relationships are identified and potential gaps are identified, the member can work towards filling these gaps. It is also helpful to identify if technology can be utilized to help bridge these gaps. This may be done through calls, text or other online resources to serve as virtual support groups. For Superior members, we have specific resources available, including:

  • Community and Member Support –  Superior has taken a variety of steps to help address these factors and improve our members’ well-being. 
  • MyStrength.com –  This is an evidence-based digital resource offering members an integrated, guided experience to help manage and overcome comorbidity challenges by creating an individualized experience through interactive programs, in-the-moment coping tools, inspirational resources and community support. To learn more, visit Superior’s MyStrength webpage.
  • findhelp – This resource helps providers and members quickly and easily search for free or reduced cost services like medical care, food and job training.
    • This tool can be accessed on Superior’s Member Resources webpage, or by visiting findhelp.
  • 2-1-1 Texas – This resource is a free, anonymous social service hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This program, provided by the Texas Health and Human Services(HHS), is committed to helping Texas residents connect with the services they need.
    • Providers and members can access services by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905 or online at www.211texas.org.
  • Community Health Workers (CHW) – Our CHW staff helps members successfully navigate the health-care system by establishing ongoing outpatient services with primary care providers, addressing all access to care, social barriers, and following up with high-risk members after hospital discharge for a time period of up to 90 days depending on member’s condition and complexity of care needs. This leads to better health outcomes and reduction in potentially preventable ER visits, inpatient admissions and readmissions. 

Please direct members to contact Superior Member Services if they need assistance in accessing these resources. To learn more about SDoH, please visit the Centers of Disease Control at Social Determinants of Health: Know What Affects Health.