The CMS Innovation Center last week said it will give up to $120 million to 32 organizations selected to participate in two tracks of its Accountable Health Communities model. Over five years, the groups will serve as test hubs helping Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries with health-related social needs including housing instability, food insecurity, domestic violence and transportation.
The three-track model aims to reduce spending by making healthcare more efficient while also improving outcomes and quality of care for patients. Those who participate in the model will work to improve community-clinical collaboration by screening beneficiaries for unmet social needs, referring them to the right services or helping them navigate and access those services. They also work to ensure that community services are available and responsive to beneficiaries.
The funded organizations included recognized industry names, such as Hackensack University in New Jersey, Yale New Haven Hospital in Connecticut, and Oregon Health & Science University, as well as government entities like the Baltimore City Health Department, and associations like the Denver Regional Council of Governments.
The CMS plans to make announcements regarding the remaining track, awareness, this summer. It anticipates 12 recipients will participate in that program and receive up to $1 million each.