Health Equity and Social
Determinants of Health

As part of our continuing efforts to reduce health inequities — and consistent with our mission-driven, not-for-profit status — EmblemHealth is committed to identifying and addressing social determinants of health that can negatively impact health outcomes, especially in underserved communities. EmblemHealth is also committed to improving health equity and connecting individuals to the resources and care they need to achieve their healthiest lives, regardless of background, ZIP code, gender, gender identification, lifestyle, beliefs, or economic status.

Perspectives

ARTICLE

A Policy Framework for Moving the Needle on Health Equity

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ARTICLE

EmblemHealth’s Commitment to Health Equity and Addressing Health Disparities

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ARTICLE: EXTERNAL SITE

Addressing Disparities and Promoting Health Equity in the Workplace^*

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ARTICLE: EXTERNAL SITE

History Demonstrates That Diversity Is the Future of Medicine^**

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Thought Leaders

Abdou Bah
SVP, Medical Management and Chief Health Equity Officer

Nazneen Rahman
AVP, EmblemHealth
Neighborhood Care

Ann Marie
Adamson-Serieux
AVP, Community Affairs

Melissa Vellon
VP, Provider Performance and Reimbursement Strat.

Howard Weiss
VP, Public Policy and Government Engagement

Dr. Haitham Ahmed
Chair of Cardiology, ACPNY

Dr. Wayne Rawlins
Senior Clinical Advisor, WellSpark

Andi Campbell
President, WellSpark

Karen Ignagni
Chief Executive
Officer

Annie Tse
VP, Advisory Practice Lead and Well-Being Strategy, WellSpark

Karen Ignagni

Karen Ignagni serves as Chief Executive Officer of the EmblemHealth family of companies.

EmblemHealth has protected access to quality care for essential workers, small and large businesses, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries through its health plans, EmblemHealth and ConnectiCare for over 80 years. It has built a network of over 40 primary and specialty physician practices through AdvantageCare Physicians. EmblemHealth Health@Work plays a critical role in serving the occupational health needs of eastern New York. EmblemHealth recently launched WellSpark, a national wellness company focused on bridging the gap between physical and mental wellness.

During her tenure as CEO and President, Ms. Ignagni has led an unprecedented modernization effort with a relentless focus on the customer experience. EmblemHealth’s growth and expansion of services has led to many accolades for her leadership in the health care industry, earning recognition by leading publications including The New York Times, City & State, Modern Healthcare, Crain’s, National Journal, Time magazine, and Fortune magazine.

In 2021, Ms. Ignagni was once again named one of City & State New York’s Labor Power 100 and City & State New York’s Health Power 100. In 2020, Ms. Ignagni was recognized for her work by several publications, including Crain’s New York Business’ Notable in Health Care leaders, City & State New York’s Health Power 100, Labor Power 100, and Women’s Power 100, and was named one of Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2020 Women to Watch in Health IT. In 2019, Ms. Ignagni was named one of Crain’s New York Business’ 50 Most Powerful Women in New York and was on the list of City & State New York’s Labor Power 100, The Responsible 100, and Women’s Power 100. She serves on the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls, the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) State Insurance Advisory Board, the DFS State Insurance Women’s Leadership Committee, and the New York State Department of Health’s Marketplace Advisory Committee. In 2018, she was named one of Crain’s New York Business’ Notable Women in Health Care, named one of Becker’s Hospital Review’s Female Health IT Leaders to Know, and was on the list of City & State New York’s Women’s Power 100. From 2017 – 2019, Ms. Ignagni served as Chair of Columbia University’s National Board of Advisors for Health Policy and Management at the Mailman School of Public Health. From 2016 – November 2019, she served on the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs Special Medical Advisory Committee.

Prior to joining EmblemHealth in 2015, Ms. Ignagni was President and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), the insurance industry association that represents providers of health and supplemental benefits to more than 200 million Americans. Under her leadership, AHIP became the leading voice for the health plan community.

Ms. Ignagni also directed the AFL-CIO’s Department of Employee Benefits. She was a Professional Staff Member on the U.S. Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee and worked at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Ms. Ignagni resides in New York City with her husband.

Further Insights

ARTICLE: EXTERNAL SITE

23 Payer Executives Top Priorities for 2024^***

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INTERVIEW: EXTERNAL SITE

City & State Political Personalities Interview^†

Watch Interview

INTERVIEW: EXTERNAL SITE

Crown Heights Serenity and Soul Well-Being Program^††

Watch Interview

Press Releases

EmblemHealth Opens Its First Neighborhood Care Location in the Bronx
November 16, 2023

EmblemHealth Opens Neighborhood Care Location in Elmhurst
November 2, 2023

EmblemHealth Awarded Prestigious Health Equity Accreditation from NCQA
September 5, 2023

EmblemHealth Telehealth Study Reveals Technology Disparities Correlate with Health Disparities
July 02, 2020

*Campbell, A., and Rawlins, W. (2022, February 15). Addressing Disparities and Promoting Health Equity in the Workplace. NWI Journal. Retrieved March 27, 2024, from nwijournal.com.

**Ahmed, H. (2022, February 28). History Demonstrates That Diversity Is the Future of Medicine. Gotham Gazette. Retrieved March 27, 2024, from www.gothamgazette.com.

***Wilson, R. (2023, November 6). 23 payer executives’ top priorities for 2024. Becker’s Payer. Retrieved March 27, 2024, from www.beckerspayer.com.

^†Ostreicher, S. (2023, July 31). Rep. Yvette Clarke and EmblemHealth CEO Karen Ignagni discuss barriers to equitable healthcare and solutions offered at Neighborhood Care Crown Heights. City & State. Retrieved March 27, 2024, from www.cityandstateny.com.

^††Avila, J. (2023, November 1). EmblemHealth introduces new well-being programs to promote healthier lifestyles. Retrieved March 27, 2024, from brooklyn.news12.com.

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Popular Tasks

Health Equity and Social
Determinants of Health

Perspectives

Thought Leaders

Abdou Bah

Nazneen Rahman

Ann Marie Adamson-Serieux

Melissa Vellon

Howard Weiss

Dr. Haitham Ahmed

Dr. Wayne Rawlins

Andi Campbell

Karen Ignagni

Annie Tse

Further Insights

Press Releases

Popular Tasks

Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health

Perspectives

Thought Leaders

Further Insights

Press Releases

Health Equity and Social
Determinants of Health