Back to Evidence & Resource Library

Health care and community-based organization partnerships to address social needs: Medicare Advantage plan representatives' perspectives

S.N.M. Durfey, E.A. Gadbois, D.J. Meyers, J.F. Brazier, T. Wetle, K.S. Thomas
Med Care Res Rev

Payers and providers are increasingly being held accountable for the overall health of their populations and may choose to partner with community-based organizations (CBOs) to address members’ social needs. This study examines the opportunities and challenges that health care entities, using Medicare Advantage (MA) plans as an example, encounter when forming these relationships. We conducted interviews with 38 representatives of 17 MA organizations, representing 65% of MA members nationally. Transcripts were qualitatively analyzed to understand overarching themes. Participants described qualities they look for in community partners, including an alignment of organizational missions and evidence of improved outcomes. Participants also described challenges in working with CBOs, including needing an evidence base for CBOs’ services and an absence of organizational infrastructure. Results demonstrate areas where CBOs may target their efforts to appeal to payers and providers and reveal a need for health care entities to assist CBOs in acquiring skills necessary for partnerships.

Durfey SNM, Gadbois EA, Meyers DJ, Brazier JF, Wetle T, Thomas KS. Health care and community-based organization partnerships to address social needs: Medicare Advantage plan representatives' perspectives. Med Care Res Rev. 2021 Apr 21:10775587211009723. doi: 10.1177/10775587211009723. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33880954.

View the Resource
Publication year
Resource type
Peer Reviewed Research
Outcomes
Process
Population
Medicare-insured
Social Determinant of Health
Not Specified
Study design
Other Study Design
Keywords