Addressing Social Determinants of Health Through Medicaid

• Produced the issue brief, in conjunction with Manatt Health, “Medicaid Coverage of Social Interventions: A Road Map for States,” and released it in July 2016;
• Described the legal and regulatory provisions that authorize Medicaid coverage of social support services;
• Explained Medicaid’s role in facilitating social support services in four areas: linkages to social service programs, stable housing, employment and job stability, and peer and community supports; and
• Provided examples of states that are administering these services through Medicaid.

Following the release of the issue brief, NYHealth hosted a public discussion, “A Conversation About Medicaid Coverage of Social Interventions.” The discussion panel included the report’s co-author and representatives from the New York State Department of Health, insurers, and provider systems. Milbank Memorial Fund has since organized several activities around the report, including a webinar for Reforming States Group (RSG), a bipartisan, voluntary association of state executive and legislative officials, in which more than 100 members participated.

The report’s co-author also presented the paper to 108 participants at RSG’s fall 2016 meetings, which included Medicaid and public health directors, Governor’s Office senior health policy staff, and chairs/vice chairs of health care, public health, appropriations, and budget committees.

Co-Funding and Additional Funds Leveraged: Milbank Memorial Fund co-funded this project ($25,000).