Publications

In this brief, researchers explore the impacts of social isolation and loneliness on health outcomes. Based on a literature review of 24 studies, they outline a number of key findings and suggest several ways states and health care delivery systems can support those who are negatively impacted by social isolation.

• For millions of Medicaid beneficiaries, lack of access to reliable and affordable transportation presents a serious barrier to receiving medical treatment and maintaining their health status. The Health Equity Project, in conjunction with Third Horizon Strategies (THS), Pareto, and Algorex, released a brief focusing on transportation as an important SDOH. The brief discusses how missed or delayed medical appointments can lead to chronic illness that is not managed according to clinical guidelines, resulting in adverse health outcomes and increased costs as Medicaid beneficiaries seek care in more costly settings rather than primary care. It also suggests strategies that states and key stakeholders can undertake to improve access to Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) among Medicaid beneficiaries and Medicaid eligible populations.

Minimizing SDOH helps achieve health equity by ensuring that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. This series of briefs intends to help key stakeholders evaluate investments to bolster health equity and address SDOH.