The five-year pilot program, known as the Accountable Health Communities Model, is the first CMSInnovationCenter initiative to focus on the health-related social needs of federal beneficiaries. The program aims to resolve serious social issues that can affect physical and behavioral health, such as housing instability, hunger, limited transportation and interpersonal violence.
“For the first time, we are testing whether screening patients for health-related social needs and connecting them to local community resources like housing and transportation to the doctor will ultimately improve their health and reduce the cost to taxpayers,” said HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell. “The Accountable Health Communities model is yet another step towards building a health care system that results in healthier people and stronger communities and spends our health care dollars more wisely.”
Eligible applicants for the pilot program include hospitals, health systems, universities and community-based organizations capable of developing a referral network of community service providers.
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