HARRISBURG, PA — In a significant stride toward addressing the complex interplay between social conditions and health, Pennsylvania has been selected as one of nine states to participate in a pioneering learning series spearheaded by the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS). This endeavor, the Medicaid Health-Related Social Needs Implementation Learning Series, aims to equip states with the tools and knowledge necessary to enhance healthcare outcomes for Medicaid populations by focusing on the root social determinants of health.
Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary of the Department of Human Services (DHS), recently announced the state’s participation, emphasizing the critical role that social and environmental factors play in overall health and well-being. “As a physician, I’ve seen firsthand how external factors like access to nutritious food and stable housing can profoundly impact a patient’s health,” Arkoosh said. “This initiative offers Pennsylvania an invaluable opportunity to pioneer innovative solutions that address these health-related social needs.”
The CHCS’ learning series is designed to foster a collaborative environment where states can share best practices, learn from one another, and collectively advance strategies that promote health equity and incorporate community feedback into healthcare initiatives. Participating alongside Pennsylvania are California, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington State, and Wisconsin.
Supported by Kaiser Permanente through its National Community Benefit Fund at The East Bay Community Foundation, this 12-month program reflects a growing recognition of the need to broaden the scope of healthcare beyond traditional medical interventions. Bechara Choucair, MD, senior vice president and chief health officer at Kaiser Permanente, highlighted the diversity of perspectives the participating states bring to the table. “This series represents a collective commitment to improving health outcomes and advancing health equity for Medicaid members,” Choucair noted.
Pennsylvania’s engagement in this national dialogue coincides with the state’s ongoing efforts to integrate a focus on health-related social needs into its Medicaid program. Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) within the state are already mandated to invest in services that address these crucial needs, demonstrating a commitment to a more holistic approach to health and wellness.
Moreover, Pennsylvania’s proposal, Bridges to Success: Keystones of Health, currently under review by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), aims to further expand the state’s capacity to support Medicaid recipients. This proposal outlines strategic interventions across four key areas: housing, nutrition and food as medicine, reentry supports for individuals involved with the justice system, and continuous health coverage for children up to age six.
By participating in the CHCS learning series, Pennsylvania seeks not only to refine its own strategies for addressing health-related social needs but also to contribute to a broader national conversation about the future of healthcare. The initiative represents a critical step forward in recognizing and acting upon the interconnectedness of health, social conditions, and equity. As states like Pennsylvania lead the way, the potential for transformative change in healthcare—emphasizing prevention, access, and holistic well-being—becomes increasingly tangible.
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