Why New Medicare Rules For ‘Non-Medical Benefits’ Matter

There is a lot of talk about how social factors affect health care costs, but not a lot of action. We've covered the recent developments—from the emerging data that reinforces the importance of addressing social determinants of health (see Social Determinants—The Next Frontier and What Are The Social Determinants Of Health?), to the initial steps health plans are taking to fund social support services (see What Are Payers, Health Plans, & ACOs Doing About Social Determinants? and Payers Approaches To Addressing Social Determinants Vary).

The biggest impediment to payers and provider organizations taking action on social determinants . . .