A Medicaid benefit for health-related social needs

Over the past decade, states looking to improve outcomes and reduce costs within their Medicaid programs have turned to health-related social needs (HRSN), which include, for example, access to housing, nutritious food, and convenient transportation. Unmet HRSN are often connected with worse health outcomes and higher health care spending. Interventions that address social risk have the potential to improve outcomes and reduce spending, particularly within Medicaid.

The most recent advancement in this area is Section 1115 demonstration waivers granted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to Arkansas, Arizona, Massachusetts, and Oregon. Although other states have approval to use Medicaid to address social needs, these new waivers represent a noteworthy departure in approach, treating specified HRSN services as a Medicaid benefit.

This Viewpoint explores a recent advancement to improve outcomes and reduce costs within state Medicaid programs, Section 1115 demonstration waivers.