V-BID Elements Adopted to Achieve Equity in Health Care
In July 2021, the DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority (DCHBX) voted to adopt key recommendations from its Social Justice and Health Disparities Working Group which aim to expand access to providers and health systems, eliminate health outcome disparities, and ensure equitable treatment in health care settings and delivery of health care services for communities of color. V-BID elements were included among the accepted recommendations for DCHBX and DC Health Link health plans:
Modify insurance design for DC Health Link standard plans to eliminate cost-sharing, including deductibles, co-insurance, and co-payment, for medical care, prescription drugs, supplies and related services that prevent and manage diseases and health conditions that disproportionately affect patients of color in the District.
HBX Standard Plan Working Group to review and develop for consideration a Value-Based Insurance Design to support adherence for patients with chronic conditions. The Social Justice and Health Disparities Working Group recommends the following prioritization of conditions to be assessed for AV and premium impact by the HBX Standard Plans Working Group: (1) for the adult population – diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, mental health, and HIV, as well as cancer of the breast, prostate, colorectal and lung/bronchus; and (2) for pediatric population – mental and behavioral health services.
The V-BID Center Director, Dr. Mark Fendrick, is available for questions and comments at vbidcenter@umich.edu.
