Social Care Initiatives

Promoting Health Equity Through Integrated Social Care in Medicaid

The New York State Department of Health is committed to achieving health equity and eliminating health disparities. To advance this mission, the Office of Health Insurance Programs is working to integrate social care into the Medicaid Program, addressing the social factors that impact health outcomes.

A key focus is on Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) — unmet adverse social conditions such as inadequate nutrition, unstable housing, unemployment, limited education, lack of transportation, and interpersonal safety. These factors not only contribute to health disparities but also drive increased healthcare spending and negatively affect health outcomes.

This page provides information on New York State Medicaid’s health-related social care initiatives. For questions or additional information, please contact the Bureau of Social Care and Community Supports at SDH@health.ny.gov.

Additional Resources

• Value Based Payment (VBP) Library
• Office of Health Equity and Human Rights
• New York 1115 Medicaid Waiver Information Page
• Community Health Worker Services for Pregnant and Postpartum People
• Reimbursement for Adverse Childhood Experiences Screening
• Medical Nutritional Therapy Services Provided by Qualified Dietitians/Nutritionists
• Maternal Health Benefit Expansion
• New York State Medicaid Doula Services Benefit
• NYS Medicaid Coverage of Telehealth
• Cultural Competency Training for Participating Providers Notice