Description

This brief discusses three issues for state policymakers to consider as they implement strategies to address social determinants of health and aim to integrate such efforts into delivery of health care. Namely, state officials should consider: 1) covering selected non-medical services; 2) integrating social supports into health plan care management; and 3) using value-based payments to support social interventions. The brief concludes that while none of the tools at states’ disposal can single-handedly resolve underlying gaps in the social safety net, they provide important opportunities to offer social support that will have direct impact.