The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently published a playbook aimed at improving coordination between healthcare, public health, and social services. The 54-page document outlines measures that federal agencies, states, local and tribal governments are taking to address social determinants of health.

The playbook emphasizes the importance of addressing patients’ social conditions in order to holistically improve healthcare and public health. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra discussed how access to stable housing, healthy food, and clean air can greatly impact people’s overall health. He expressed his belief that focusing on these factors can help ensure equal access to healthcare for all Americans and contribute to the improvement of healthcare outcomes for everyone.

In addition to the playbook, HHS has also introduced a call to action to address health-related social needs and a Medicaid and CHIP health-related social needs framework. These resources aim to complement the content of the playbook by further supporting efforts to address social determinants of health and creating opportunities for improved healthcare access and outcomes for all Americans.