EmblemHealth Campaign Shines a Spotlight on Social Determinants of Health

EmblemHealth, one of the nation’s largest non-profit health insurers, announces a campaign focused on broadening the health care discussion and educating consumers on the social determinants of health. The campaign, ‘Health Care Is,’ expands the traditional definition of health care by highlighting programs and partnerships that influence daily habits and decisions, from what people eat to the community resources to which they have access.  

Research shows that medical care, including doctor and hospital visits, only accounts for 10 to 20 percent of overall health. The remaining is shaped by other health-related habits, socioeconomic status, our environment, and other factors. While these factors - collectively referred to as the social determinants of health - are at the core of many federal and state efforts to improve population health, EmblemHealth’s campaign aims to broaden the dialogue by framing it around issues and causes that consumers care about. The campaign highlights the benefits, programs and partnerships EmblemHealth offers to improve overall health, with a focus on six core areas: Community, Identity, Women’s Health, Pets, Mental Health and Food.

“EmblemHealth’s mission is to create healthier futures for our members and our communities by opening the doors to the health care system through our benefits, services and resources,” said EmblemHealth president and CEO Karen Ignagni. “At the same time, supporting members’ health requires bigger thinking. This campaign does that by raising awareness of the daily decisions that affect our members’ quality of life, such as the food we eat and the company we keep, including our family, pets, and the broader community. It’s also important to understand how gender and identity can shape our physical and mental health in terms of the care we seek and receive. Our goal is to make the concept of the social determinants of health relevant and meaningful to the communities we serve.”

Over the next several months, ‘Health Care Is’ will highlight programs offered by EmblemHealth through social media, digital ads, community advertising, and local events. ‘Health Care Is’ will also support local non-profits with whom EmblemHealth has a shared commitment to health.

“EmblemHealth has been leading the way in showing how a health insurance company can address the social determinants of health,” said gyro creative director Maggie Powers. “Their commitment at every level is clear, whether it’s addressing first responder mental health needs, providing neighbourhood spaces with free exercise and nutrition classes, or even something as seemingly basic as enable providers to address patients by their chosen gender identity. Health Care Is brings that commitment to life in a simple, yet powerful, way.”