Making an Impact Annual Highlights

SUPPORTING COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO IMPROVE HEALTH

Working with a network of nonprofit organizations with deep roots in our communities is one of the most important ways Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) can help members achieve their best health. In 2019, we contributed more than $2.6 million to 15 community partners. This includes more than $1.8 million in Healthy Kids, Healthy Families^® grants targeting efforts to fight chronic kidney disease (CKD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) — conditions that greatly impact the lifespan, productivity and quality of life of many Texans.

ADDRESSING SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH

To help address social factors that impact health, BCBSTX awarded $1.6 million in grants to 17 organizations. The grants are advancing innovative approaches to challenges such as integrating behavioral and physical health care, improving health outcomes for people with special needs, and connecting people with community resources. Additional investments supported three KaBOOM! playground builds and 15 food banks. Through our partnership with Feeding America, these food banks reported 4 million meals distributed across the state.

STANDING WITH OUR COMMUNITIES

When Texas communities are hit with natural disasters and other events, BCBSTX supports organizations and efforts that are best equipped to help them recover. In 2019, we contributed $150,000 to help southeast Texas communities damaged by Tropical Storm Imelda and $10,000 to relief efforts when a tornado struck Collin and Dallas counties. And in response to two mass shootings, BCBSTX donated $50,000 to victim and community relief funds.

BRIDGING GAPS IN PREVENTIVE CARE

Having to travel long distances to see doctors and other barriers to care affect our health and well-being. Working with community partners, the Care Van^® mobile health program brings preventive care directly to people who need it. In 2019, the program’s 10 vans helped deliver vaccinations, dental care, kidney disease screenings and other health screenings to nearly 97,000 Texans — a 63% increase over 2018. The vans are a program of the Caring Foundation of Texas, a 501(c)3 organization sponsored by BCBSTX.

MAKING CONNECTIONS IN OUR COMMUNITIES

Every year, thousands of BCBSTX employees dedicate time and energy to make a difference in our communities. In 2019, nearly 3,000 employees volunteered more than 50,000 hours of their time. Thanks to them, many nonprofit organizations earned matching donations from employees logging their time in our Blue Corps^SM program. BCBSTX employees also contributed more than $150,000 to the Blue Bear Employee Relief Fund, United Way and other charitable organizations.

UNITED DIVERSE TALENT

We support an environment where all employees feel valued, empowered and recognized for their unique talents, perspectives and differences. We’re proud to have received recognition for this commitment in 2019:

• 100% on the Disability Equality Index
• America’s Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes America
• America’s Best Employers for Women, Forbes America
• Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality, Human Rights Campaign
• Military Friendly^® designation, Bronze Status

Caring for Our Environment

As a health insurer, we know the environment plays a part in the health and well-being of our members and communities. We’re committed to sustainable practices like recycling, waste reduction, renewable energy use, and responsible food sourcing. In 2019, we recycled more than 485,000 pounds of paper, saving more than 4,000 trees, 730 cubic yards of landfill space, 1.7 million gallons of water and 92,000 gallons of oil. BCBSTX also participates in the CDP — which helps companies, cities, states and regions manage their environmental impact.