Social Determinants of Health & Medicare Advantage

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are defined as the complex, integrated, and overlapping social and economic risk factors that impact health outcomes and health status. These complex factors impact the lives and health of large numbers of individuals, with particular evidence on older adults as they age. Clinical care alone is not enough to address these needs. Clinical care contributes to only an estimated 20% of health outcomes, while 80% is attributed to SDOH. Studies show that addressing home safety, access to food and nutrition, access to transportation, in-home care and support, and other social supports improves beneficiary outcomes and lowers health care costs.