On November 16, 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released new guidance that explains that a person’s health-related social needs (HRSN) are “derived from a person-specific assessment of social determinants of health (SDOH),” and that research has demonstrated that addressing SDOH and meeting HRSN has a positive impact on a person’s health outcomes.
“The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) supports states in addressing HRSN through multiple Medicaid and CHIP authorities and mechanisms. These initiatives include coverage of clinically appropriate and evidence-based HRSN services and supports; care delivery transformations, including improvements in data sharing; and performance measurement to create accountability for HRSN screening and connecting to needed supports as part of successful care management.”
