Have questions? You might be able to find the answers here.
1. What are Social Care Networks? (DSRIP 2.0 Unofficial Name)
2. What is a Community-Based Organization (CBO)?
3. How is SOMOS involved in the new funding initiative?
4. Is SOMOS mainly focused on the Bronx community?
5. How will a provider be paid by the Social Care Networks program?
6. Can any other EHRs outside of MDLand sign the HIE attestation and participate in Social Care Network?
7. How can a provider participate in the Social Care Networks program with SOMOS?
Social Care Networks (SCNs) are regionally based networks established in New York State under the Medicaid program to integrate social care services with healthcare for Medicaid beneficiaries. The goal of SCNs is to address the social determinants of health (SDOH), such as housing, food security, and transportation, which significantly impact health outcomes. SCNs are designed to coordinate the delivery of these services through community-based organizations (CBOs) and healthcare providers, aiming to reduce health disparities and improve overall well-being for low-income residents.
The SCNs are part of New York's broader effort under the 1115 Medicaid waiver, with $500 million allocated to support the creation and operation of these networks over three years. Each SCN will enroll as a "Social Care Network Medicaid Provider" and will be responsible for providing Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) screenings and coordinating the delivery of enhanced social services to Medicaid members.
A Community-Based Organization (CBO) is a non-profit group that operates at the local level to address the needs and challenges of specific communities. These organizations are crucial in providing a wide range of services, including healthcare, housing, education, social support, and more, often focusing on underserved populations. In the context of the Social Care Networks (SCNs) program, CBOs play a vital role in delivering and coordinating social care services that are essential to improving health outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries.
CBOs are integral to the SCNs because they are deeply embedded in the communities they serve and have the local knowledge and trust needed to effectively connect individuals with the resources and support they need. These organizations work in partnership with healthcare providers and other stakeholders within the SCN to ensure that social determinants of health (SDOH) are addressed comprehensively.
SOMOS has been selected to receive funding as part of New York State’s Social Care Networks (SCNs) initiative under the 1115 Medicaid waiver. This initiative is part of a $500 million investment aimed at integrating social care services with healthcare to address social determinants of health and reduce disparities for Medicaid beneficiaries.
As a designated SCN lead entity, SOMOS will use these funds to enhance its ability to provide coordinated care, delivering essential services like housing support, food security, transportation, and other critical resources to Medicaid members in its service areas. This involvement builds on SOMOS's previous experience with similar programs, such as the DSRIP 1.0 initiative, where it played a key role in improving healthcare outcomes and reducing avoidable hospitalizations.
No, SOMOS is not limited to the Bronx community. While SOMOS has a strong presence in the Bronx, it serves all five boroughs of New York City—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island—and has also expanded its services to Rochester. SOMOS works across these regions to deliver healthcare and social services, particularly through initiatives like the Social Care Networks (SCNs) program. This broader reach allows SOMOS to address health disparities and improve outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries across a diverse set of communities throughout New York State.
SOMOS will pay providers through value-based quality metrics, similar to the payment model used during their participation in DSRIP 1.0. The specific details of the payment structure are still being finalized and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Yes, any EHR with HIE capabilities such as MDLand and eClinicalWorks can participate.
To join the Social Care Networks (SCNs) program with SOMOS, providers should:
Click here for the HIE attestation form.
Please send all signed attestations to Regina Zhu (rzhu@ccaco.org) or Alex Chan(ecap@ecapipa.org)
Sources: https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/redesign/sdh/scn/index.htm