Breaking Down Barriers to Whole Health

In a recent episode of Under the Same Sky, host Abner Mason met with Dr. Shantanu Agrawal, Chief Health Officer at Elevance Health, to discuss activating a whole health approach. Their conversation explored the importance of removing barriers to health, fostering partnerships with community-based organizations (CBOs), and advancing health initiatives in 2025.

Dr. Agrawal’s journey began as an emergency medicine physician, where he quickly realized that many of his patients’ health issues stemmed from socioeconomic factors rather than just medical conditions. This realization led him to explore broader healthcare solutions, from public policy at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to leading quality improvement efforts at the National Quality Forum. Now, at Elevance Health, he champions a whole health approach — one that integrates physical, mental, and social well-being.

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Why Whole Health Matters

One of the key themes of this discussion highlighted the growing recognition that 80% of a person’s health is influenced by factors outside of traditional healthcare settings. While doctor visits, medications,and treatments play a vital role, other factors — such as access to nutritious food, safe housing, transportation, and financial stability — can have an even greater impact on health outcomes. Dr. Agrawal explained that without a commitment to removing barriers to health, medical interventions can only go so far. For example, a patient struggling to pay rent may not be able to prioritize purchasing essential medications. A person living in a food desert may not have access to the fresh produce needed to manage chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease. These real-world barriers must be acknowledged and addressed if we want to achieve better health outcomes for all.

The Power of Community-Based Partnerships

A key takeaway from this conversation was the need for deeper partnerships between healthcare organizations and CBOs. Dr. Agrawal stressed that while large healthcare organizations have data and resources, they may not have the local trust and deep-rooted community relationships that CBOs have built over decades. Organizations like food banks, housing agencies, and senior care centers play a critical role in supporting individuals with their day-to-day needs. Dr. Agrawal emphasized that health plans and healthcare providers should collaborate with these organizations in a meaningful way. By leveraging the strengths of each partner, it becomes possible to provide comprehensive, person-centered care.

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The Road Ahead in 2025

Dr. Agrawal emphasized that by focusing on individual needs and removing systemic barriers, we can drive meaningful improvements in healthcare quality and cost-effectiveness. Looking ahead to 2025, he outlined key initiatives that Elevance Health is focused on.

• Expanding the Community Connected Care model to ensure all members have access to high quality and personally relevant healthcare in their communities.
• Addressing disparities in preventative care to close gaps in care.
• Achieving health equity accreditation across Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial plans to ensure that care is accessible, high-quality, and tailored to all members.
• Strengthening partnerships with community-based organizations, and leveraging the combined data, to create personalized care solutions that will improve both health outcomes and affordability at scale.

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Collaboration is Key

As the conversation closed, Abner Mason reinforced the importance of collaboration, trust, and innovation in transforming healthcare. Rising costs and persistent disparities make it clear that no single organization can fix the system alone. Instead, stronger partnerships between public and private entities are needed to ensure every individual has the opportunity to achieve better health. Dr. Agrawal echoed this sentiment, encouraging more people to be part of the solution. He acknowledged that change in healthcare is complex yet with persistence, collaboration, and a shared commitment to whole health, real progress can be made.