Telehealth Physician

Wider Circle joins with Highmark Wholecare to launch peer-led community health program. - Neighbor-to-Neighbor Model Aims to Improve Health Outcomes for Medicaid Members PITTSBURG (August 31, 2026) - Wider Circle, a company focused on building communities to improve health and quality of life through trusted connections, recently joined with Highmark Wholecare to launch a proven peer-led, community-based health program for its Medicaid members. The initiative launched Aug. 3 in six counties in the Lehigh-Capital and Southwestern regions of the Commonwealth - Beaver, Lancaster, Lehigh, Washington, Westmoreland and York. Approximately 5,000 Highmark Wholecare members are expected to be supported by the program. At the heart of the program is Wider Circle's proven peer-led model, Connect for Life(R), which is powered by people and enabled by technology. Connect for Life links members to their neighbors through facilitation by community health professionals to enhance adherence to preventive and primary care services and improve long-term health outcomes. The company recruits and trains trusted members of the community to lead engagement efforts in neighborhoods, connecting members effectively, and identifying those most at risk of disengagement or preventable health events. This approach has demonstrated measurable results nationally, including higher adherence to care plans and retention rates, along with a reduction in hospital stays and the total cost of care. Wider Circle currently operates Connect for Life in 14 states. Wider Circle will be supporting Pennsylvanians as they navigate the health care system, address health-related social needs, and connect with the preventive and primary care services they need before a health issue becomes a crisis. "Technology will play an increasingly important role in the next generation of health care, helping us identify needs earlier, coordinate care more effectively, improve affordability, and reach members in new ways," said Victor Fields, president, Highmark Wholecare. "But real change still happens through human connection. Through our work with Wider Circle, we are investing in trusted, person-to-person relationships that help members feel seen, supported, and empowered to take charge of their health. By combining innovation with meaningful human interaction, we can deliver better outcomes for the communities and the people we serve." "Our model is built on a simple but powerful belief that health starts with trust, and that trusted local leaders are the most effective force for connecting people to the care they need," said Brett Zelkind, Chief Business Officer, Wider Circle. "This expansion reflects not only the strength of our relationship with Highmark, but the growing recognition that community-based care is one of the most powerful tools we have to improve health outcomes at scale." The Pennsylvania expansion comes on the heels of a successful launch of Connect for Life with Highmark Health Options West Virginia, which has seen strong initial results. About Wider Circle Wider Circle builds communities to improve health and quality of life through trusted connections. Its peer-driven model recruits local community members to lead health engagement programs, supported by advanced data science and technology. Wider Circle's approach has been actuarially validated and shown to improve health outcomes, reduce costs, and increase member retention for Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans across the country. About Highmark Wholecare Highmark Inc. believe in caring for the whole person in all communities where the need is greatest. Highmark Inc. see a future in which everyone has equal opportunity to achieve their best health. Through its leading Medicaid and Medicare programs, Highmark Inc. is coordinating health care that goes beyond doctors and medicine that helps members achieve not just physical health but also delivers whole person care. Its team members are helping to drive this new kind of health care for its 325,000 Medicaid and Medicare members in collaboration with a network of 29,000 primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and other ancillary providers. Highmark Inc. is also committed to supporting its neighbors through its many community outreach and engagement programs. Jennifer St. Clair Wider Circle 323-481-6841 [email protected] John Pepper Highmark Wholecare 412-951-1533 [email protected]

Wider Circle, a company focused on building communities to improve senior health, has acquired Menda Health, a virtual care provider for adults with chronic pain. The acquisition unites two organisations centred on group-based care models for seniors. Menda Health developed a group-based behavioural care model combining structured sessions with evidence-based approaches to help seniors manage chronic pain. The company was founded by Dr Les Aria, Arun Nijhawan and Kartik Shastri. Wider Circle's peer-driven model recruits community members to lead health engagement programmes for Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and dual-eligible members. The acquisition will enable Wider Circle to expand its longitudinal care capabilities. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.