Overcoming health inequity in the U.S. and the role of telehealth: Ideas and best practices from Cigna, Henry Ford Health System and the eHealth Initiative

Increased reliance on telehealth services has been one of the most significant care delivery shifts prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pandemic has also thrown more light on the challenges of health inequity in the United States, especially among African American and Hispanic communities. We discuss these issues and potential solutions with leaders at the eHealth Initiative, Cigna and Henry Ford Health System. Panelists include: Wanneh Dixon, who is Director of Programs, Strategy & Development at eHealth Initiative Will M. Lopez, the National Medical Director-Virtual Care and Senior Medical Director-Behavioral Health at Cigna; and Denise White-Perkins, who is not only the Vice Chair of Academic Affairs, Associate Residency Program Director, Department of Family Medicine, and Director, Healthcare Equity Initiatives, Office of System Diversity Equity and Inclusion at Henry Ford Health System but is also Clinical Associate Professor, at Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences