New York State Announces 1115 Waiver (NYHER) Social Care Networks

1115 Waiver (NYHER) Social Care Networks Formally Announced

On August 7, 2024, Governor Hochul announced $500 Million for the New Social Care Networks (SCNs) to deliver social services and improve health outcomes for millions of low-income New Yorkers.

The program will address health disparities in low-income communities by leveraging federal funding to facilitate Medicaid members access to nutritional meals, housing supports, transportation and other social services that can have a significant impact on an individual’s health. By integrating social care and health care, this program advances a key initiative under the New York Health Equity Reform (NYHER) waiver amendment.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Awarding the Social Care Network Lead Entity contracts represents a critical milestone toward advancing health equity, eliminating health disparities, and addressing health-related social needs. We traditionally invest health care dollars in direct patient care, yet it is often the factors ‘outside the exam room’ that most need to be addressed. This historic investment allows these partners to connect patients to factors that often most influence our health, such as finding stable housing, reliable transportation, health insurance and other factors that improve people’s personal health.”  The Health Home Coalition and Health Home community is excited for the opportunity to continue to assist NYS in meeting the goals outlined in the 1115 Waiver (NYHER) by supporting the Social Care Networks (SCNs). With over 500 Care Management Agencies/ Community-Based Organizations, decades of experience, and a workforce of over 7,000 the Health Homes stand ready to continue to drive positive health and health-related social care outcomes by addressing health disparities for our most vulnerable Medicaid members.

The Health Home Coalition and Health Home community is excited for the opportunity to continue to assist NYS in meeting the goals outlined in the 1115 Waiver (NYHER) by supporting the Social Care Networks (SCNs). With over 500 Care Management Agencies/ Community-Based Organizations, decades of experience, and a workforce of over 7,000 the Health Homes stand ready to continue to drive positive health and health-related social care outcomes by addressing health disparities for our most vulnerable Medicaid members.

The following organizations were selected and will be covering nine regions throughout the State: