Health disparities and complex social determinants of health (SDoH) have historically compromised patient access to quality care. But policy changes announced recently from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are expected to mitigate these challenges:  finalized guidance for the Medicare Advantage program will expand the supplemental benefits afforded to beneficiaries to include items and services that address certain SDoH, improve access to services, and enhance the quality of life. These changes will also impact the collective abilities of the skilled nursing community to coordinate care for patients upon discharge.

CMS recognizes the value of services that diminish the impact of injuries or health-related conditions and reduce avoidable emergency and health care utilization. Specifically, the services must diagnose, prevent, or treat an illness or injury, compensate for physical impairments, act to ameliorate the functional/psychosocial impact of injuries or health conditions or reduce avoidable emergency and healthcare utilization […] Continue Reading