UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of RI weighs in on NCQA Health Equity Accreditation

As we continue to spotlight the importance of health equity in primary care, we recognize the important contributions that our health plans make in advancing and supporting this work. UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Rhode Island was recently awarded Health Equity Accreditation by NCQA. We connected with Stacey Aguiar, MPH, CPHQ, CHES, Senior Director of Clinical Quality UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Rhode Island about this recognition.

Why is health equity important for organizations to recognize?

Health equity is important because eliminating health inequities results in better health outcomes for all and creates an environment where all have an opportunity for optimal care.

How can patients benefit from our RI primary care workforce being trained in Health Equity?

Training primary care providers on health equity can help eliminate historical bias and make them aware of the needs of different patient populations. Also, when there is more diverse representation reflected in primary care workforce, providers are better able to relate with their patients, which builds trust and patients feel comfortable openly discussing their healthcare concerns.

Through intentional Health Equity training and understanding by primary care teams, what successes or opportunities or successes are emerging?

Health equity accreditation provides an actionable framework for improving health equity goals, delivering culturally and linguistically appropriate services and reducing health inequities. Opportunities continue to include obtaining more data on race, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation, and gender identity to better inform interventions, supports and services.