2022 Health Equity Awards

At Excellus BlueCross BlueShield the health of our communities is at the center of everything we do. Together we can confront the crisis in health disparities, embrace and address longstanding gaps in care, and work to make care more accessible and affordable. When we address inequities, focus on improving mental health and maternal health, and expand access to care - communities thrive and we help people live healthier lives. Everybody benefits.

2022 Health Equity Awards

We are excited to announce the 2022 Health Equity Awards and the focus on addressing health disparities and improving health equity. • A minimum of $30,000 will be awarded in each health plan region to qualified community-based organizations through a competitive application process available online at ExcellusBCBS.com/Community • Awards will go to community partners that demonstrate a commitment to reducing health disparities and improving health equity among underserved people with health disadvantages due to race, ethnicity, disability, sex, gender, and/or rural disparities, including, but not limited to the areas of mental health and maternal health - Improving the community’s physical health and mental health - Reducing social disparities in health care - Ensuring access to health care A nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association 16458-22M - EX / A11yCS-08-09-2022

Application Rules and Requirements: Application proposals must include clear, defined goals for reducing health disparities and improving health equity for people that face a higher burden of health inequities and social disadvantages. They must also specify how funding will measurably assist in improving health equity outcomes. Application proposals should include a focus on reducing health disparities in racial, ethnic, LGBTQ communities, people with disabilities, people living in rural or urban communities, or other groups of people that may be at higher health risk for: • Medical issues and conditions (chronic or acute) • Behavioral health or mental health conditions • Negative outcomes from the above, including death or suicide Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and located in our health plan region. Excellus BCBS does not fund political activities and/or capital campaigns.

Submit an Application: The Health Equity Award application focuses on organization and program information, and intended impact. • Submit an application at ExcellusBCBS.com/Community on or after 10 a.m. on Monday, August 15, 2022. • All applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, September 15, 2022. All application questions are available after you register and log in online.

Review Process and Notification: • Applications will be reviewed by the Health Plan and decisions announced by mid-November. We will prioritize proposals that have detailed scope, goals, rationale for support, and measures. • Excellus BCBS will follow up with recipient organizations six months after funding is received to understand impact and use of funds.

Questions? For more information about Excellus BCBS Community Investments and Partnerships, including the Health Equity Awards: Central New York Email: Robyn.Smith@excellus.com Visit: ExcellusBCBS.com/Communit