Addressing Social Determinants in Medicare Advantage Act of 2021

Bill 117 HR 4074, also known as the Addressing Social Determinants in Medicare Advantage Act of 2021, aims to improve health outcomes for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries by addressing social determinants of health. Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that can impact their health and well-being.

The bill proposes several key provisions to achieve this goal. First, it would require Medicare Advantage plans to screen beneficiaries for social determinants of health, such as food insecurity, housing instability, and transportation barriers. This screening would help identify beneficiaries who may need additional support to address these social factors.

Second, the bill would establish a demonstration program to test the effectiveness of providing targeted interventions to address social determinants of health for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. These interventions could include providing access to healthy food, housing assistance, or transportation services. Additionally, the bill would require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to collect data on the impact of addressing social determinants of health on health outcomes and healthcare costs for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. This data would help inform future policy decisions and best practices for addressing social determinants of health in healthcare settings. Overall, the Addressing Social Determinants in Medicare Advantage Act of 2021 aims to improve health equity and outcomes for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries by addressing the social factors that can impact their health. By screening for social determinants of health, providing targeted interventions, and collecting data on outcomes, this bill seeks to create a more holistic approach to healthcare that considers the social factors that influence health.