Cigna has created a new impact fund that aims to address health disparities commonly impacting local communities.
The insurer's philanthrophic arm, the Cigna Group Foundation, will operate the Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund. Through the program, Cigna will contribute $9 million over the next three years to tackle disparities and inequities across priority states.
According to an announcement, the program will initially focus in Houston, Texas and Hartford, Connecticut. By drilling down to these specific communities, Cigna said it can "optimize" the level of assistance needed to put toward the unique equity challenges they're facing.
Houston, for example, has high rates of diabetes and obesity that disproportionately impact Black and Hispanic residents, Cigna said. Data show that 40% of Black and Hispanic people in Houston are obese, and 25% of all adults living in the region say they do not get enough exercise.
"We are committed to advancing health equity in Houston, as it has some of the starkest health disparities nationwide, especially among people of color," said Melissa Skottegaard, board chair of The Cigna Group Foundation, in a press release. "We'll start by addressing those key social determinants of health—things like food, transportation and access to equitable care—to ensure that those who are underserved throughout Houston have the things they need to thrive."
The impact fund intends to initially focus on improving access to transportation for health visits and other health-related activities and will also invest in more innovative ways to distribute fresh food and nutrition education.
In Hartford, meanwhile, Cigna said residents see "some of the widest gaps in racial and ethnic health disparities in the nation."
Connecticut Health Foundation data suggests that Black and Hispanic people living in the state are more likely to face severe complications related to asthma and diabetes, Cigna said. The impact fund has established several key goals already for this region, including expanding access to providers and community resources that provide culturally competent care.
It will also similarly invest in transportation, like it intends to do in Houston.
"We know that 80% of a person’s health is affected by things outside of the doctor’s office, and we are dedicated to ensuring those who are underserved right here in Hartford have access to the things they need to be healthy," Skottegaard said. "We look forward to partnering with nonprofit organizations to improve the vitality and well-being of local communities."