Contra Costa County Medicaid SDOH Program Reduced Hospital Use

After implementing a Medicaid program in 2019 to offer connections to non-medical services considered social determinants of health (SDOH), Contra Costa County, California found that the program may have reduced hospital utilization. Inpatient admission rates among the participants were 11% lower than a control group. The participants made 4% fewer emergency department visits compared to the control group.

The program provided participants with 12 months of social needs case management, with more intensive services provided to beneficiaries with a higher level of need. The program was for adult beneficiaries with the highest (top 15%) health care costs and utilization . . .