CMS model aims to increase access to health-related social services

Hospitals and health systems, health care practices, community-based organizations and others can apply until March 31 to participate in a new Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation model that will test whether access to health-related social services reduces health care costs and use of inpatient and outpatient health care services for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced today. The Accountable Health Communities Model seeks to bridge the divide between the clinical health care delivery system and community service providers to address health-related social needs such as housing and food security, interpersonal violence and transportation. Up to 44 organizations will receive funding to lead consortiums that will implement promising approaches to raise beneficiary awareness of available community services, help those at high-risk access services or optimize community capacity to address health-related social needs. Letters of intent to apply are due Feb. 8.