A State Policy Framework for Integrating Health and Social Services

Abstract

Recognizing that health is determined by a variety of interrelated factors, states are looking to connect health care, public health, and social services to help achieve improved population health, better care, and reduced cost of care.This issue brief describes three essential components for integrating health, including physical and behavioral health services and public health, and social services: 1) a coordinating mechanism, 2) quality measurement and data-sharing tools, and 3) aligned financing and payment.It also presents a five-step policy framework to help states move beyond isolated pilot efforts and establish the infrastructure necessary to support ongoing integration of health and social services, particularly for Medicaid beneficiaries. OVERVIEWDespite considerable obstacles associated with reengineering the nation's medically oriented health care system, Medicaid agencies are beginning to explore health delivery models that connect patients directly to community-based public health and social services.In doing so, they are looking to take advantage of both new and existing funding strategies and Medicaid policy options to promote more effective service linkages.To help guide these efforts, this issue brief details three components necessary for an integrated system of health and social services:1.A coordinating mechanism responsible for managing collaboration across services.2. Quality measurement and data-sharing tools to track outcomes and exchange information.3. Payment and financing methods that support and reward effective service integration.Our five-step framework is intended to help states develop an implementation plan that addresses the infrastructure requirements, incentives, and decision-making authority needed to support health and social services integration.Elements of this brief were gleaned from state officials and health policy experts through interviews and group discussions.To learn more about new publications when they become available, visit the Fund' s website and register to receive email alerts.Commonwealth Fund pub. 1757 Vol. 14The mission of The Commonwealth Fund is to promote a high performing health care system.The Fund carries out this mandate by supporting independent research on health care issues and making grants to improve health care practice and policy.