Innovation in Action: 2025 Business Innovation Award Runners-Up Transform Care in Their Communities

USAging’s Strengthening Social Connection in Communities (co-managed by the Aging and Disability Business Institute and Engaged: USAging’s Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults) released two reports highlighting the impressive achievements of Senior Connection, Inc., and Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc., runners-up for The John A. Hartford Foundation 2025 Business Innovation Award.

 

  • Senior Connection, Inc., was honored for its partnership with UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Massachusetts and its innovative Care Express Rural Aging Health Access program. Senior Connection, Inc., teamed up with UnitedHealthcare to develop a mobile health outreach initiative to meet the needs of older adults, especially those in remote rural areas.

 

  • Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc. (ESWA), was honored for its partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and its successful Transition in Care program, which reduces emergency department visits by improving efficiency and lowering costs through coaching, assessments, and referrals, guiding patients to suitable alternative health care settings and strengthening social connection.

 

View the report: Building Collaborative Contracts With Health Care: A Social Connection Partnership Between Senior Connection, Inc., and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Massachusetts

View the report: Building Collaborative Contracts With Health Care: A Social Connection Partnership Between Elder Services of Worcester, Inc., and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts