How we’re collecting members’ race, ethnicity and language data for renewing groups using 834 files

October 22, 2024

Pursuing health equity—achieving fair access to health care for everyone—requires developing a deeper understanding of our members’ lives through data. Last month, we reported on how we’re enabling members to share their race, ethnicity and language data with us through online enrollment this year.

Enrollees have had the option to self-report this data on paper and spreadsheet enrollment forms since 2023. Collecting this data for those who enroll online will help us further assess disparities in members’ access to care. It will also enable us to enhance our clinical programming for members and better support providers in addressing members’ health through physical, behavioral and social measures.

While new groups using 834 files will see the new optional race, ethnicity and language data fields at enrollment, existing groups using 834 files can begin sharing their data any time. To support renewing groups’ efforts to collect and share this data, we’re providing these instructions and tips to help ensure the data is delivered in the required format. Please view and share the instructions with your renewing groups that use 834 files.

Achieving health equity is a long-term journey, and collecting more members’ race, ethnicity and language data helps get us closer to our destination. To learn more about our health equity work, click here.

Questions? Please contact your account representative.