What is driving the push toward integrated care, and why do I need to know about it?

Health care systems and their payers are rapidly moving away from pay-for-service and toward pay-for-value. As part of this evolution, there is an increasing level of recognition that addressing social determinants of health (e.g., physical environments, social support networks, etc.) should be an integral part of a patient’s health care. As health plans and systems look for ways to reduce costs and improve quality, CBOs must partner with them to expand access to evidence-based health promotion programs, nutritious food, transportation and other services for older adults and people with disabilities. These powerful motivators are driving change throughout the health care system and CBOs need to understand and embrace a new, integrated role as part of the public-private shift towards measuring and rewarding value.