Report Analyzes Managed Care, SDOH & Health Equity

Press Release

New Report Finds Medicaid Managed Care Provides Opportunities for States to Address Social Determinants of Health and Health Equity

(December 14, 2021) – Together for Better Medicaid, a coalition committed to building a better Medicaid system across the country, today released a new report prepared by Health Management Associates (HMA) on the potential for Medicaid Managed Care to enable states to address social determinants of health (SDOH) and health equity above and beyond what’s possible with traditional fee-for-service models.The report, <a href="https://assets.togetherforbettermedicaid.org/media/tbm_hma_strategies-for-addressing-sdoh-and-health-equity-brief_december-2021.pdf">Medicaid Managed Care: Strategies to Address Social Determinants of Health &amp; Health Equity</a>, is based on HMA’s review of 10 recent state requests for proposals (RFPs). HMA’s review reveals an overarching commitment by states to address SDOH – such as income, education, food access, housing and unemployment – as well as health equity through their contracts with Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).The pandemic has led to increasing attention on SDOH and health equity issues among policymakers and public health experts. The report demonstrates that MCOs, which are not tied to the limitations of the fee-for-service model, are in a strong position to help states meet the challenges of the day by offering greater flexibility in covering value-added services and additional services offered in lieu of those covered under Medicaid state plans.The report identified several main trends in SDOH requirements:<ul><li>Many states are requiring MCOs or provider networks to screen enrollees for SDOH needs.</li><li>States are increasingly requiring MCO care management programs to incorporate SDOH, to coordinate with community-based organizations and to ensure referrals to social services and supports.</li><li>Recent RFPs have included requirements that MCOs incorporate SDOH into their quality assessment and performance improvement (QAPI) programs and that MCOs provide SDOH training for staff.</li></ul>The report also identified the following trends in health equity requirements:<ul><li>Recent RFPs require MCO staffing to address health equity, as well as staff provider training to address racial and ethnic disparities, diversity and inclusion.</li><li>States are requiring MCOs to develop cultural competency plans and to ensure care management, marketing and an MCO workforce that's culturally competent.</li><li>A few states have incorporated health equity principles into their MCO pay-for-performance initiatives, while others are prioritizing health equity in the value-based payment arrangements MCOs implement with provider networks.</li></ul>“States looking to address social determinants of health and health equity are increasingly turning to the Managed Care model for its flexibility and ability to incentivize better, more equitable health outcomes,” said HMA Regional Vice President Kathleen Nolan. “Our review of states’ recent contracting processes demonstrates that they see the value in Managed Care because of its ability to support the health of vulnerable communities.”The full report can be found <a href="https://assets.togetherforbettermedicaid.org/media/tbm_hma_strategies-for-addressing-sdoh-and-health-equity-brief_december-2021.pdf">here</a>. To learn more about Together for Better Medicaid, please visit <a href="https://togetherforbettermedicaid.org/">togetherforbettermedicaid.org</a>.You can find Together for Better Medicaid on <a href="https://twitter.com/BetterMedicaid">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BetterMedicaid">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-medicaid/">LinkedIn</a>.###About Together for Better Medicaid&nbsp;Together for Better Medicaid is committed to building a better Medicaid system by improving access, quality, outcomes and affordability through Managed Care. Learn more at <a href="https://togetherforbettermedicaid.org/">togetherforbettermedicaid.org</a>.&nbsp;About Health Management AssociatesHealth Management Associates is an independent, national research and consulting firm specializing in publicly funded healthcare and human services policy, programs, financing, and evaluation. We are a team of more than 300 experts with vast experience in every facet of the healthcare system.&nbsp;Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.healthmanagement.com/">healthmanagement.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Together for Better Medicaid Explains Managed Care

Video

Together for Better Medicaid Explains Managed Care 

The Facts About Managed Care and Primary Care

Blog

National Primary Care Week – which runs from October 4 to October 8 – is an opportunity to remember the critical role of primary care in keeping our communities healthy and safe.Research shows that <a href="https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/social-determinants-health/interventions-resources/access-to-primary">primary care access</a> leads to positive health outcomes. As the first line of health care defense, primary care physicians ensure that patients receive routine checkups and screenings that can identify concerns before they become potentially life-threatening and far more expensive to treat.At Together for Better Medicaid, we’ve seen first-hand how Managed Care prioritizes primary care, leading to improved access and outcomes for patients. Here are the facts about how Managed Care has advanced primary care access across the country:<ul><li>Fact 1: States implementing Managed Care have seen improved access to primary care based on key metrics like hospital admissions and length of stay.</li><li>Fact 2: Managed Care Organizations ensure beneficiaries receive recommended health screenings and preventive care on time and in convenient locations.</li><li>Fact 3: Medicaid Managed Care networks doubled the number of primary care providers available to beneficiaries in Florida’s networks.</li><li>Fact 4: A Managed Care quality incentive program in Oregon led to a drop in emergency department use across all beneficiary populations and an increase in mental health screenings.</li></ul>Click <a href="https://assets.togetherforbettermedicaid.org/HMA_Access_and_Quality_Briefs_Factsheet_09_14_2021_39751c248a/HMA_Access_and_Quality_Briefs_Factsheet_09_14_2021_39751c248a.pdf">here</a> to read our latest research on the benefits of Managed Care.Together for Better Medicaid is a multi-stakeholder group committed to building a better Medicaid system by improving access, quality, outcomes and affordability through Managed Care.

Insuring 77 million Americans with lower incomes, including children, pregnant women, many adults, seniors and people with disabilities, Medicaid is a lifeline. The program helps people lead healthy and financially secure lives by increasing their access to health care services that improve their well-being and reducing the cost burden of medical expenses.

Medicaid Is A Critical Lifeline

Medicaid Managed Care offers a flexible public-private partnership that enables states to sustainably meet the needs of Medicaid beneficiaries. Transitioning from fee-for-service and expanding existing Managed Care programs will enable states to provide improved care, drive better health outcomes and lower costs.

Medicaid Managed Care Is Key To Expanding Access

Medicaid Managed Care focuses on treating the whole person – and at a lower cost. By providing patient-centered clinical care that helps address the social determinants of health, Medicaid Managed Care receives high levels of beneficiary satisfaction for coverage, benefits, cost and patient experience.

Managed Care Improves Affordability & Quality

<h1>Learn About Medicaid Managed Care In These States</h1>We’re working in states around the country to ensure Medicaid beneficiaries have access to high-quality, affordable care.

We are a multi-stakeholder group committed to building a better Medicaid system by improving access, quality, outcomes and affordability through Managed Care.

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Building a better Medicaid system across our country.

In this video from Together for Better Medicaid, learn how Medicaid Managed Care is helping improve health care access, quality, outcomes and affordability.

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Learn about Medicaid Managed Care.

A new report from Together for Better Medicaid, prepared by Health Management Associates (HMA), demonstrates the potential for Medicaid Managed Care to enable states to address social determinants of health and health equity.&nbsp;

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Report: Strategies to Address SDOH & Health Equity

National

Medicaid Managed Care Plans Can Help Enrollees Maintain Coverage as the Public Health Emergency Unwinds

Medicaid Managed Care RFPs Illuminate SDOH Approaches

Medicaid Managed Care Organizations Help Address SDOH, Health Equity

Medicaid Managed Care is a key solution that can help our state ensure all Ohioans have access to health coverage.

Expanding Access

Medicaid Managed Care provides a better experience by putting people at the center of care and giving providers tools to better coordinate care.

Improving the Health Care Experience

Research demonstrates that Medicaid Managed Care delivers superior health outcomes compared with fee-for-service models and is also better positioned to address health disparities and inequities. 

Driving Better Health Outcomes

Medicaid Managed Care provides a more sustainable Medicaid system for beneficiaries, the government and taxpayers. 

Lowering Health Costs

Contact us here with questions or to join our efforts to enhance access, provide a better experience and improve outcomes at a lower cost.

We are a multi-stakeholder, grassroots group committed to building a better Medicaid system that improves access, quality, outcomes, affordability and sustainability through Managed Care in Ohio.

Who We Are

Ohio

Join us as we work to amplify diverse and often underrepresented voices to show the value of Medicaid Managed Care in Ohio.

Get Involved

We’re eager to work with groups across Ohio that support Medicaid Managed Care. Sign-up to become a member.

**We’re eager to share more about Medicaid Managed Care.**

Contact us here to ask questions, support our efforts, or join Ohio for Better Medicaid.

Medicaid Managed Care enhances access to care, provides a better experience and improves outcomes at a lower cost.

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Envisioning a better Medicaid system in Ohio.

We believe that Medicaid Managed Care is the best way to expand access to care, provide an improved experience for both patients and providers, drive better health outcomes and lower costs.

We are committed to several core beliefs that will ensure Ohio strengthens Medicaid.

What We Believe

A multi-stakeholder, consensus-based group of organizations and advocates who are champions of Medicaid Managed Care.

We are committed to building a better Medicaid system that improves access, quality, outcomes and affordability in Ohio.

Stay up to date on the latest news from Ohio for Better Medicaid and check out media coverage about Medicaid Managed Care.

News

Learn more about Medicaid Managed Care in Ohio through our library of key resources.

Know the Facts

Oklahomans

Medicaid Managed Care is a key solution that can help our state improve access to care.

We are a multi-stakeholder group committed to building a better Medicaid system that improves access, quality, outcomes and affordability through Managed Care in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma

Oklahomans for Better Medicaid_Membership Agreement.pdf

Download Sign Up Form

Join us as we work to amplify diverse and often underrepresented voices to show the value of Medicaid Managed Care in Oklahoma.

We’re eager to work with groups across Oklahoma that support Medicaid Managed Care. Sign-up to become a member.

**We’re eager to share more about Medicaid Managed Care.**

Contact us here to ask questions, support our efforts, or join Oklahomans for Better Medicaid.

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Building a better Medicaid system in Oklahoma.

We are committed to several core beliefs that will ensure Oklahoma strengthens Medicaid.

A multi-stakeholder, consensus-based group of patient advocates, clinicians, community-based organizations, health care leaders and providers, health plans and others who are champions of Medicaid and Medicaid Managed Care.

We are committed to building a better Medicaid system that improves access, quality, outcomes and affordability in Oklahoma.

Stay up to date on the latest news from Oklahomans for Better Medicaid and check out media coverage about Medicaid Managed Care.

Learn more about Medicaid Managed Care in Oklahoma through our library of key resources.

Medicaid Managed Care is a key solution that can help our state expand access to quality care, including as an option for long-term services and supports (LTSS) members and their families.  

Medicaid Managed Care provides a better overall long-term experience by putting people at the center of care and giving providers tools to better coordinate care. 

Research demonstrates that Medicaid Managed Care delivers superior health outcomes compared with fee-for-service models and is also better positioned to address health disparities and inequities.

We are a multi-stakeholder group of health care leaders, providers, health plans and others committed to building a better Medicaid system that improves access, quality, outcomes and affordability by fully integrating Managed Care in Arizona.

Arizona

Arizona for Better Medicaid_Membership Agreement.pdf

Join us as we work to amplify diverse and often underrepresented voices to show the value of Medicaid Managed Care in Arizona.

We’re eager to share more about Medicaid Managed Care. Contact us here to register for a focus group, ask questions, support our efforts, or join Arizona for Better Medicaid.

We’re eager to share more about Medicaid Managed Care. Contact us here to ask questions, support our efforts, or join Arizona for Better Medicaid.

Medicaid Managed Care enhances access to care, provides a better experience and improves outcomes at a lower cost.

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Building a better Medicaid system in Arizona.

A new poll found that 3 in 4 caregivers for Arizonans with intellectual and developmental disabilities support Medicaid Managed Care as an option for delivering Long-Term Services and Supports, such as Home and Community Based Services.&nbsp;

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Poll: Majority of I/DD caregivers support a Medicaid Managed Care option.

In this video from Arizona for Better Medicaid, learn how Medicaid Managed Care is helping improve access, quality, outcomes and affordability in our state.

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In an opinion piece written for AZCentral, Dr. Kevin Berger of Phoenix Pediatrics explains why he supports Medicaid Managed Care as an option for Arizonans with disabilities and their families.

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Opinion: Managed care works for the elderly. These disabled Arizonans deserve it, too

We believe that Medicaid Managed Care is the best way to expand access to care, provide an improved experience for both patients and providers, drive better health outcomes and lower costs.

We are committed to several core beliefs that will ensure Arizona strengthens Medicaid.

A multi-stakeholder group of health care leaders, providers, health plans and others committed to building a better Medicaid system that improves access, quality, outcomes and affordability by fully integrating Managed Care in Arizona.

We are committed to building a better Medicaid system that improves access, quality of care, outcomes and affordability in Arizona. 

Stay up to date on the latest news from Arizona for Better Medicaid and check out media coverage about Medicaid Managed Care.

Learn more about Medicaid Managed Care in Arizona through our library of key resources.

Medicaid Managed Care is a key solution that can help our state improve access to care by addressing important beneficiary health and wellness needs, including mental health, substance use disorders and developmental disability issues.
 

Improving Access

Research demonstrates that Medicaid Managed Care delivers superior health outcomes compared with fee-for-service models and is also better positioned to address health disparities by focusing on whole-person care and addressing the social determinants of health.


We are a multi-stakeholder group of patient advocates, community-based organizations, health care leaders, health plans and others committed to building a better Medicaid system that improves access, quality, outcomes and affordability through Managed Care in North Carolina.

North Carolina

North Carolina for Better Medicaid_Membership Agreement.pdf

Join us as we work to amplify diverse and often underrepresented voices to show the value of Medicaid Managed Care in North Carolina.

We’re eager to work with groups across North Carolina that support Medicaid Managed Care. Sign-up to become a member.

**We’re eager to share more about Medicaid Managed Care.**

Contact us here to ask questions, support our efforts, or join North Carolina for Better Medicaid.

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Building a better Medicaid system in North Carolina.

We believe that Medicaid Managed Care is the best way to enhance access to care, provide an improved experience for both patients and providers, drive better health outcomes and lower costs.

We are committed to several core beliefs that will ensure North Carolina strengthens Medicaid.

A multi-stakeholder, consensus-based group of patient advocates, community-based organizations, health care leaders, health plans and others who are champions of Medicaid and Medicaid Managed Care.

We are committed to building a better Medicaid system that improves access, quality, outcomes and affordability in North Carolina.

Stay up to date on the latest news from North Carolina for Better Medicaid and check out media coverage about Medicaid Managed Care.

Learn more about Medicaid Managed Care in North Carolina through our library of key resources.

Building a better Medicaid system across our country.

What We Believe

Medicaid Is A Critical Lifeline

Medicaid Managed Care Is Key To Expanding Access

Know The Facts

Our Latest News

Notable Press

Interested in learning more about
Together for Better Medicaid? Contact Us.

Building a better Medicaid system across our country.

What We Believe

Medicaid Is A Critical Lifeline

Medicaid Managed Care Is Key To Expanding Access

Managed Care Improves Affordability & Quality

Know The Facts

Our Latest News

Notable Press

Interested in learning more about Together for Better Medicaid? Contact Us.

Interested in learning more about
Together for Better Medicaid? Contact Us.