Supporting communities through Empowering Health

Expanding care access and addressing social determinants of health

So many communities deal with complex health challenges. Empowering Health is our commitment to partnering alongside community organizations to find lasting solutions. Our goal is to expand access to care. We’re also addressing social determinants of health. These are the conditions in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship and age. Social determinants of health affect quality of life and a wide range of health risks.

We work with community-based organizations to improve the health and wellness of people who need help most. These members of our communities are individuals and families who are often underserved, uninsured and overlooked. 

Making healthier happen

UnitedHealthcare is focused on helping solve some of today's biggest challenges. 

27.2 million
Americans are uninsured1

61%
of uninsured adults are people of color2

Nearly 50%
of health care costs often come from the most vulnerable people3

How we choose the communities we serve

First, we identify health care challenges. Then, UnitedHealthcare works with community organizations to:

  • Support community-led solutions, like healthy food programs, that connect and engage with community members
  • Focus on high-impact local programs, like behavioral health services, that put people and patient needs first
  • Support data collection and measure long-term impact
  • Align with other activities across UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealth Group and Optum 

Helping communities get the care they need

Too often, underserved communities have limited health resources.

20.5 million
live in households with incomes below 2 times the U.S. poverty level4

79%
of community health center patients are uninsured or publicly insured5

1 in 5
uninsured adults go without needed medical care due to cost6 

Investing in community-based behavioral health care programs

Many communities don’t have access to behavioral health services. Our funding for community-based organizations helps bring these services to people in community and school-based settings. We also fund safety-net providers, who offer programs that care for people with low income, no insurance and other needs. 

 

Increasing access to culturally appropriate services

Culturally appropriate services may make people more comfortable seeking care. Community health workers, peer support services and care navigators who bring shared life experiences can help build connections. By supporting these clinical and community-based providers, our goal is to help empower everyone to get the quality care they deserve. 

Bringing care beyond the clinic

Health includes more than medical care. Factors outside a doctor’s office play a big role in influencing health and well-being. 

80%
of a person’s health is affected by what happens outside of a clinical setting7

14%
of households have the burden of spending more than half of their income on shelter8

33.8 million
people in the U.S. live in households with limited or uncertain access to food9

Transforming access to fresh, healthy foods

When you think about it, food is like medicine. That’s why we’re helping food banks offer more healthy, fresh food to more communities. We invest in refrigeration, training, mobile food pantries and meal delivery programs across the country. 

Addressing social isolation

Social isolation and loneliness may raise health risks. These include a variety of physical and mental conditions. Our work helps people experiencing social isolation find meaningful connections and feel a sense of purpose. 

Helping individuals and families choose healthy behaviors

Sharing knowledge plays a big role in helping people live healthier lives. The organizations and nonprofits we work with offer resources to help promote healthy behaviors. These resources may help people manage or prevent chronic conditions. 

See how communities are making a difference

Watch how moms and babies get support in Indiana

See how girls in Tampa are building confidence

Learn how a community market is helping Nevada families in need

Empowering Health is part of our company culture, too

Committing to healthier communities through employee action

UnitedHealthcare employee volunteers help build healthier communities across the country. Our partnerships include Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation and KABOOM! Employees and local teams also lead and support a wide range of volunteer activities within their communities. 

Advancing community conversations on important issues

As a health care company, we’re one part of the larger health system. It takes collaboration to evolve the health system into something that works better for our members and the communities we care about. That’s why we bring together community organizations to share best practices and help them collect data that can move health care forward. 

Providing support through the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation

The UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) offers financial support to families when they need it. UHCCF grants help with medical expenses not covered, or not fully covered, by their commercial health insurance. This helps lift the financial burden and help families focus on what’s most important – helping their child get better. 

Learn about UHCCF

Learn more about Empowering Health