UnitedHealthcare has announced a $335,000 funding initiative aimed at enhancing healthcare access in Idaho, particularly for underserved communities, including rural populations, individuals with chronic conditions, and seniors.
“By expanding programs for caregivers, community health workers, and healthcare providers, we can better meet unmet health needs and ensure that underserved communities receive the high-quality care and services they require,” said Dr. Alex Billioux, Chief Medical Officer of Government Programs at UnitedHealthcare. “Equipping healthcare workers with essential resources and training will improve health outcomes and quality of life for all Idahoans.”
In Idaho, food insecurity is rising, and approximately 10% of adults report living with diabetes. The state ranks 38th in primary care physician availability and 33rd in mental health provider access nationally.
The funding will support several organizations, including:
- Alzheimer’s Association and Idaho Caregiver Alliance ($60,000) to train 500 Direct Care Workers on essential care for individuals with memory-related conditions.
- Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho ($35,000) to enhance transportation options for individuals in rural Northern Idaho.
- Centers for Independent Living ($25,000) to expand access to assistive technologies and durable medical equipment.
- Diabetes Alliance of Idaho ($50,000) to promote innovative diabetes prevention programs for older adults in Hispanic and American Indian communities.
- Idaho Caregiver Alliance ($30,000) to support caregiver connections to local resources, improving their quality of life.
- Idaho State University ($50,000) to increase healthcare access for Shoshone-Bannock Tribe members through a certified Community Health Representative program.
- Southwest Idaho Area Agency on Aging ($20,000) to enhance the “Living Well with Diabetes” program for those living with diabetes and their caregivers.
- Western Idaho Community Health Collaborative ($50,000) to implement a Regional Health Implementation plan, promoting resources for rural residents.
- Idaho Food Bank ($15,000) to pilot a program where food delivery personnel provide companionship to combat food insecurity and social isolation.
“With UnitedHealthcare’s generous support, we can significantly enhance our efforts to provide equitable diabetes prevention programs, particularly for older adults and underserved communities,” said Dorothy Plaza, chair of the Diabetes Alliance of Idaho.
UnitedHealthcare serves over 160,000 members in Idaho, with a network of 50 hospitals and more than 12,000 healthcare providers. For more information about UnitedHealthcare’s initiatives in Idaho, visit uhccs.com/id.
About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare aims to help people lead healthier lives by simplifying the healthcare experience and fostering relationships with providers. The company offers a comprehensive range of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, and Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries across the U.S., contracting with over 1.7 million healthcare professionals and 7,000 facilities nationwide. UnitedHealthcare is part of UnitedHealth Group, a diversified healthcare company.
