The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued guidance to State health officials encouraging the adoption of strategies that address social determinants of health (SDOH) in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). As described in the announcement, the new guidance describes how States can leverage existing flexibilities under federal law to address adverse health outcomes that can be impacted by SDOH and supports States with designing programs, benefits, and services that can more effectively improve population health and reduce costs. The guidance notes that Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries face challenges such as limited access to nutritious food, affordable and accessible housing, quality education, and opportunities for meaningful employment. The guidance also highlights how State Medicaid and CHIP programs can utilize different delivery approaches, benefits, and reimbursement methodologies to improve health outcomes.
- Ann Tucker