Interagency Integration of Social and Healthcare Services

A focus on “whole person” health has been increasing over the past decade. Recognizing that health outcomes are dependent on both medical and non-medicalized care, major national and international organizations have devoted years of research into the benefits and challenges of aligning public health, social services, and health care to address social determinants of health and to reduce health inequities. The importance of better aligned care for the older population has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). An interagency integration of social and healthcare services will lead to health care savings and have positive impacts on the lives of older adults and people with disabilities. Cultivated partnerships, integrated healthcare, and collaboration of government, community and business communities would establish cross-sector alliances that effectively address issues of ageism, health and social care.

Full Proposal

Establish an interagency office to develop a plan to fully integrate social and healthcare services for New Yorkers of all ages based on research and available data on positive outcomes.

• The office would consist of members from DOH including Office of Health Equity and Human Rights and the Statewide Health Information Network for New York); NYS Office for the Aging; County Offices on Aging; NYS Office of the Chief Disability Officer; OPWDD; OASAS; HCR; DOS and could also include other third party organizations (such as Social Care Networks under the Medicaid 1115 Waiver).
• Members would form an alliance to create shared goals, prioritize cross-sector partnerships, address the effects of ageism, and foster the sustainability of health and social care alignment.
• Key goals would include:
  • Enabling organization and financing strategies for sustainable community-based organizations (CBO) network infrastructures.
  • Developing core competencies for CBO networks.
  • Encouraging widespread use of existing and proposed social care billing codes.
  • Ensuring a streamlined contracting process between health systems, payors, and CBOs, which must include a broad-based payment methodology.
  • Ensuring common IT security and interoperability standards, safeguards, and system integrity.
  • Engaging and including planning, community development and building departments to enhance access to and coordination of services through community planning, design, zoning and building code enforcement.

MPA Council Commentary