NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan Addresses Medicaid Social Care Networks Expansion

“The cornerstone of healthier, longer lives is investment in better care and improved access to services in communities where they will have the greatest impact,” stated Dr. Ashwin Vasan.

With 60% of Medicaid recipients living in New York City, this Medicaid waiver will have a major impact on the lives of the most vulnerable New Yorkers and will help us address longstanding health inequities.

Dr. Ashwin Vasan, continued, “the flexibilities created by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in this waiver will allow us to invest in not just better, more affordable healthcare, but critically, in the social care that makes the biggest difference in improving health. The announcement of Social Care Networks, in turn, creates the vehicles and supports to ensure that communities receive vital Medicaid funding necessary to provide lifesaving and life-extending services for health-related social needs like nutrition, housing, transportation, and community mental health and maternal health — the essential building blocks of health.

“As the City’s health strategist and public health authority, we are excited to partner with the Social Care Network organizations to ensure waiver efforts are driving towards reducing preventable, premature deaths and addressing critical risk factors for priority communities, as outlined in our city‘s population health agenda, HealthyNYC. The NYC Health Department congratulates Public Health Solutions, Somos Healthcare, and Staten Island Performing Provider System on their awards, and we look forward to working closely with you to improve health and to advance equity throughout the five boroughs,” Dr. Ashwin Vasan, said.

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