Regence BlueCross BlueShield addresses Latino health disparities

PORTLAND, Ore – An estimated 66 percent of Latinos in Oregon don’t have health insurance, compared to about 29 percent of whites; breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Latinas; one-quarter of adult Latinos haven’t received health information from a medical professional in the past year. These statistics reflect the health disparities faced by Latinos both locally and nationally. 

 

In an effort to address Latino health disparities, Regence implemented a “consejeros” (concierge) program where bilingual and bicultural representatives offer customer service and act as navigators to the health care system for Latino members. The consejeros also work to break down the linguistic and cultural barriers that make it difficult for many Latinos to understand health insurance in the U.S.

 

In an effort to increase the percentage of its Latina membership that gets regular mammograms, Regence recently implemented a mammography reminder program. Regence is also partnering with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to lead a Latino team in this year’s Race for the Cure. The team will be led by Carmen Perezchica, who leads Regence’s concierge program; Sarah Couey, from Regence heath services and Komen board; Nelly Rodriguez, breast cancer survivor and host of local Univision show City con Nelly; and Lucy de Romero, wife of Enrique A. Romero Cuevas, the Mexican Consul in Portland.

 

In addition, Regence has  partnered  with the Mexican Consulate to support the ninth annual Binational Health Week in Portland. Binational Health Week is an effort geared toward increasing access to care among the Latino community as well as increasing awareness of critical health issues among Latinos. Regence consejeros will be available for consultation at the opening day health fair and will be offering health and wellness information.

 

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon is a leading health plan in Oregon, with nearly one million members, offering health, life and dental insurance. Regence is the largest health insurer in the Northwest / Intermountain Region, serving more than 2.5 million members as Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, Regence BlueShield (selected counties in Washington), Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah and Regence BlueShield of Idaho. Each plan is a nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Regence is committed to improving the health of our members and our communities, and to transforming our health care system. For more information, please visit regence.com or follow us at twitter.com/RegenceOregon.