AHA voices support for Social Determinants Accelerator Act

Reps. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., Tom Cole, R-Okla., Jim McGovern, D-Mass., and Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., today introduced AHA-supported legislation that would provide planning grants and technical assistance to help states and communities address the social determinants of health for high-need Medicaid patients.

“We know that even if quality care is available, social determinants often prevent individuals from being able to access health care or achieve health goals,” said AHA Executive Vice President Tom Nickels. “These social determinants of health often include safe and stable housing, access to healthy food, transportation, social connections, safety and environmental exposure. The Social Determinants Accelerator Act would better align resources to improve outcomes within the Medicaid program by funding planning grants for public and private sector accelerator programs, and convening an inter-agency technical advisory council on social determinants of health. Hospitals and health systems recognize that addressing social determinants of health is central to driving value and advancing overall well-being. We look forward to working with Congress in our efforts to keep our communities healthy.”  

The Aligning for Health coalition, whose members include the AHA, also voiced support for the legislation.