Importance of Access to Healthy Foods
Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age that shape health.
There’s so much focus today on the importance of eating healthy food, but it’s out of reach for far too many people. In 2018, 11% of U.S. households reported they were food insecure at some point, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
It’s important that our members have access to healthier food options, which can lower their risk for obesity and other diet-related chronic diseases.
When our members lack healthy food options, they must overcome obstacles to obtain healthy foods instead of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods.
Medical Food Supplements and Access to a Nutritionist
Patients who suffer from chronic health conditions may need to incorporate a dietary supplement into their normal diet.
Members can receive a free nutritional consultation from a Registered Dietician through our partnership with Abbott.
Abbott is a globally diversified healthcare company with the central purpose to help people live their healthiest possible lives. HCP has partnered with Abbott to provide our members with educational tools that will empower them to make healthier lifestyle changes.
Patient education and self-management programs can help manage escalating healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes.
Access to Medically Necessary Food Programs
Chronic diseases afflict 120 million Americans and account for an astounding 75 percent of U.S. healthcare spending. The need for creative solutions to help our nation’s highest need consumers of health services is significant.
HCP has partnered with community-based organizations such as “God’s Love We Deliver” (GLWD) as a means to address the growing concern for members with food insecurities due to severe illness. GLWD is a nonprofit organization working to improve the health and well-being of men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other serious illnesses by:
- Preparing and delivering nutritious, high-quality meals to people with debilitating illnesses
- Providing illness-specific nutrition education and counseling to their clients, families, care providers and other service organizations
Medically-tailored meals have been proven to boost chronic disease care by reducing costs and improving health outcomes.
Download and complete the GLWD referral form below, available in English and Spanish, to refer your patients to this program.
