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Rescinding health-related social needs guidance undermines Trump’s own economic goals

Prasad J
Health Affairs Forefront

In early March 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) under the Trump administration abruptly rescinded its multiyear guidance framework on health-related social needs (HRSN), eliminating a long-evolving roadmap for states seeking to address social determinants of health (SDoH) through Medicaid programs. While the slew of federal cuts will undoubtedly have major impacts on public health nationwide, this decision appears antithetical to the administration’s overarching goal of optimization. Addressing SDoH is important for many reasons, including improving the health and well-being of marginalized communities and often unincluded people. However, this article intends to argue that this and any further policy reversal threatens economic efficiency in our health care system.

Prasad J. Rescinding health-related social needs guidance undermines Trump’s own economic goals. Health Affairs Forefront. 2025. DOI: 10.1377/forefront.20250407.941202

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Commentaries & Blogs
Social Determinant of Health
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