The state of New York intends to launch a new pilot program utilizing Medicaid funding to help low-income people access resources, including housing, food, and transportation.

More Money In Your Pockets.Photo byGovernor Kathy Hochul From Flickr

State health authorities believe the effort will improve New Yorkers' health and help them avoid complex clinical care while not boosting overall spending.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul's Announcement

Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that nine statewide organizations will receive $500 million in grants over the next three years to establish a new Social Care Network (SCN) initiative in New York State.

The program will address health disparities in low-income neighborhoods by leveraging federal funds to help Medicaid members access nutritional meals, housing assistance, transportation, and other social services that can significantly influence someone's health. This program promotes a crucial aim under the New York Health Equity Reform (NYHER) waiver amendment by combining social and health care.

Governor Hochul stated that the Social Care Networks will help revolutionize how we support areas with the most unmet needs. We are directly investing in our local communities' health and well-being through the SCN initiative, and New Yorkers will benefit from a more connected and equitable social and health-care system.