Wider Circle provides community-based, peer-led programs designed for low-income and underserved older adults. Since 2016, the organization has served 7,000 Medicare Advantage and Medicaid communities across urban, suburban, and rural areas. Among these members, 61% have at least one chronic health condition, and 40% manage two or more conditions.
The Wider Circle approach groups members by shared interests, similar health conditions, and neighborhood proximity. A community lead facilitates the groups in an intensive four- to six-week program where members build strong relationships and develop a self-sustaining community. After completing the program, members join a local Wider Circle chapter where they participate in local events, health workshops, and social gatherings.
These activities promote healthy behaviors and foster a sense of belonging. A peer ambassador — elected by the group during the program — maintains the cohort’s ongoing activities and relationships.
Program Strategy and Leadership
Wider Circle combines in-person and digital strategies to reach and retain members. The organization uses claims data to create well-matched member cohorts, collects and analyzes operational data to monitor effectiveness, and tracks health outcomes to continuously refine their program.
Darin Buxbaum, co-founder and CEO of Wider Circle, brings extensive healthcare experience as both an entrepreneur and enterprise healthcare leader. His background includes co-founding Oration, an insurance tech company that helped self-insured employers reduce prescription drug costs. He also founded HourGlass Technologies, a healthcare technology startup, where he served as president and CEO.