A framework for advancing health equity and value: Policy options for reducing health inequities by transforming healthcare delivery and payment systems

This policy options paper represents a collaborative effort among state and national health equity thought leaders to catalyze much needed action to leverage health system transformation for the benefit of those whom the health system is leaving behind. Ensuring that those facing the biggest barriers to good health and high-quality health care are served well by the health care system will improve care for everyone.

The goal of this paper is to create a resource that health equity and health system transformation leaders can use to assist in policy development and prioritization that best serves their communities and constituencies. We begin the paper by reviewing key issues that payment and delivery reform must take into account to advance health equity and improve the health of those currently experiencing disparities including, but not limited to, inequities based on race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, English proficiency, immigration status, income, and geographic location. Specifically, we posit that the transformed health care system should reduce the negative impact of socially shaped barriers on people’s health, and especially their access to high-quality care. This means looking beyond the walls of the hospital or clinic and meeting people where they are in their community.