Reading Hospital Uses AHC Model For Food Insecurity, Lowers Health Care Utilization By 30%

Consumers served by Reading Hospital in Berks County, Pennsylvania had 32% fewer emergency department visits and hospital admissions after their food insecurity was resolved. The hospital was participating in the federal Accountable Health Communities (AHC) model for a project to reduce food insecurity. Additionally, readmission rates among this group of consumers were 30% lower and overall hospital costs declined by 31%.

The hospital’s project to reduce food insecurity began in early 2020, just as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began. The hospital conducted a case study that examined outcomes for 747 people whose food insecurity was resolved . . .