A revolving loan fund could unleash the power of community-based organizations to support medicaid beneficiaries

As Medicaid programs expand to address health-related social needs (HRSN) and underlying social determinants of health (SDOH), state authorities and managed care organizations are increasingly turning to non-traditional providers to reach and serve populations that have historically been economically and socially marginalized. Community-based organizations (CBOs) of all sizes are stepping up to bridge the health gap by doing what they do best: serving those in need.

Leveraging deep community ties, trusted relationships, and long-standing commitment to community, CBOs are positioned to engage and support populations—especially those that are hard to reach via traditional channels and methods—more effectively than programs managed by government agencies or health care providers. With this recognition has come the proliferation of community provider directories and closed-loop referral systems—sponsored by state authorities and large health care companies—that connect individuals in need with CBOs addressing HRSN.