At this early stage of social determinant of health incorporation, many states are targeting their programming, particularly screening and care management/coordination, towards high-risk populations, such as beneficiaries in substance use disorder treatment or those with significant behavioral health needs, children with complex care needs, beneficiaries living with HIV, and individuals with multiple comorbidities.
By promoting use of health-related services and adding a profit reinvestment mandate, Oregon is using managed care contracting to expand Medicaid spending on social determinants of health and health equity.
Lessons learned and promising practices shared by participants fell under four themes: member-centeredness, community-centeredness, structured yet adaptable social determinants of health programming, and realigning systems for whole-person care.
Among Medicaid Managed Care Organizations, the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of addressing member social needs, and the need for broader consideration of what constitutes social determinants of health from a health care delivery standpoint.
For the When All Are Counted project, a newly awarded grant under the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Community Research for Health Equity program, managed by AcademyHealth researchers are going to take a long, deep dive into how data is collected and shared in West Virginia to inform structural solutions to build a better, inclusive surveillance system in the state.
The inaugural 10 studies will studies will address local health care system issues of importance to communities of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other historically marginalized populations.
Effective social determinants of health programming requires flexibility, agility, and a continuous improvement mindset to transition to whole-person care.
In this fourth post in a series on building trust and mutual respect in health care, Maura Dugan highlights insights from researchers examining the relationship between patient and provider.
In this third post in a series on building trust and mutual respect in health care, Bonnie Cluxton highlights insights from researchers examining the relationship between underserved/vulnerable populations and the institutions that serve them.
