Reports

Health-Related Social Needs (HRSNs) are the needs that arise from social and economic factors, such as housing and food insecurity, that have a significant impact on individuals’ health outcomes and costs. MassHealth – the Medicaid program for low-income individuals in Massachusetts – launched an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) program in 2017 that included requirements and targeted funding to address HRSNs for certain MassHealth members. The program relies on partnerships between ACOs and community-based organizations (CBOs) to address HRSNs related to two domains – housing and food. The research for this report consisted of structured interviews with ACOs and CBOs about their current efforts and how they view potential partnerships moving forward. It also concludes with policy recommendations for key stakeholders in the program.