Social Determinants

In 2017, the New York State Department of Health, Office of Health Insurance Programs (OHIP) announced the establishment of the Bureau of Social Determinants of Health within the Division of Program Development and Management (DPDM). This entire bureau focuses on the Social Determinants of Health(SDH) recognizing the important role that the Social Determinants of Health The new bureau will focus its work on the social determinants of health (SDH) and the important role it plays in the health outcomes of New York’s most vulnerable populations. The Bureau of Social Determinants of Health will focus on special SDH initiatives including but not limited to supportive housing, nutrition, and education.The bureau will work closely with Performing Provider Systems (PPS), VBP contractors, Health Plans, and Providers. It will also continue to enhance the role of Community Based Organizations (CBOs) within the health care sector.The Bureau, led by Denard Cummings, reports to Elizabeth Misa, Deputy Medicaid Director.

Efforts to improve health in the U.S. have traditionally looked to the health care system as the key driver of health and health outcomes. However, there has been increased recognition that improving health and achieving health equity will require broader approaches that address social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health.

The Prevention Agenda 2019-2024 is New York State’s health improvement plan, the blueprint for state and local action to improve the health and well-being of all New Yorkers and to promote health equity in all populations who experience disparities.

In Health Affairs, de Beaumont Foundation CEO Brian Castrucci and John Auerbach, CEO of Trust for America’s Health, weigh in on the growing involvement of health providers in addressing patients’ socialneeds—saying these interventions are a good step, but not enough. Read “Meeting Individual Social Needs Falls Short of Addressing Social Determinants.”