Social determinants of health

The White House has released a playbook centered on addressing social circumstances and related environmental hazards and exposures impacting health outcomes, often referred to as social determinants of health (SDOH). This guide acknowledges the intricate connection between these factors and their influence on individuals' well-being and lays out an initial set of structural actions federal agencies are undertaking to break down these silos and to support equitable health outcomes for individuals and communities. The Playbook sets the stage for agencies and organizations to re-imagine new policies and actions around SDOH, both inside and outside of government....

The Aging and Disability Business Institute has published two infographics exploring how Area Agencies on Aging and other community-based organizations address the social determinants of health of older adults and people with disabilities in their communities through contracts with health care entities. The infographics identify key partners and services in these contracts, as well as where this contracting activity is occurring around the country.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is has released a request for information to assist in defining a set of key determinants of health that addresses all the elements of the whole person health model, including factors that can influence health either positively or negatively, and that encompass the full continuum of biological, behavioral, social, and environmental domains.

This report highlights what Medicare Advantage plans, providers, and community partners are doing to address social risk factors for older adults. The report is based off of interviews with over 20 experts from 14 organizations representing health plans, providers, health plan associations, non-profit social service organizations, and service and technology vendors. Findings show an increase in plan activity to address areas of social isolation, transportation, housing, and food.

This n4a spotlight focuses on the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington's Community Paramedicine program. Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington (AAADSW) has integrated health care and long-term services and supports by partnering two different Accountable Communities of Health in Washington state: Cascade Pacific Action Alliance (CPAA) and Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (SWACH).

This report examines 40 Medicaid managed care contracts and 25 approved Section 1115 demonstrations. It identifies common themes across state approaches to incentivizing and requiring SDOH-related activities. CHCS also provides several additional policy recommendations for bolstering SDOH investment in state Medicaid offices.