The role of US health plans in identifying and addressing social determinants of health: Rationale and recommendations

The launch of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation Accountable Health Community Model in 31 communities nationwide signaled the interest of the largest payer, Medicare, in developing novel strategies for payers to encourage health systems to address SDOH. In addition, more than half of states now require Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MMCOs) to have a plan for how they will address SDOH. And in states such as Colorado, Washington, Minnesota, Michigan, and Oregon, among other states, Medicaid Accountable Care Organizations are now successfully addressing both social and health needs by developing measures to assess SDOH and linking clinical and nonclinical service delivery.

In light of these new opportunities, we briefly outline 4 recommended actions for health plans to improve beneficiaries' health by addressing their SDOH.