There is growing evidence showing that the majority of health care costs are driven by factors outside of the clinical environment, including the social determinants of health—such as food security, housing instability and quality, and utility and transportation access. Additional evidence shows that functional limitations are associated with higher Medicare costs. Together, these factors have created new incentives for health care entities to develop partnerships with community-based organizations (CBOs) to optimize efficient and effective integrated care for older adults and people with disabilities.
Results from the Business Institute’s 2017 RFI Survey show that more than half of all responding CBOs either have a contract or are pursuing contracts with health care entities. Policy changes at both the state and federal levels will likely continue to accelerate these partnership opportunities.
Now in its third year, The John A. Hartford Foundation Business Innovation Award celebrates innovative CBOs that are making transformative strides toward a system of integrated care by partnering with health care entities. When health care entities and CBOs work together in a meaningful and sustainable way to support health, the quality of care improves, cost savings accumulate, and older adults and people with disabilities are empowered to live more dignified, independent lives in their homes and communities.
Previous winners of this prestigious award include the Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) and the Virginia Area Agencies on Aging–Caring for the Commonwealth (VAAACares).
“Receiving the Business Innovation Award validated Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s long commitment to the adage ‘Think globally, act locally’ when it comes to collaborating with the health care sector. We demonstrated that good ideas and diligent cultivation of champions in the health care arena can lead to successful and sustainable partnerships. It was a huge honor to be included among the many accomplished nominees chosen for The John A. Hartford Foundation Business Innovation Award, receiving the top award was surreal.”
— Larry Gross, Chief Executive Officer of SMAA.
The award, which will be presented at n4a’s 43rd Annual Conference in Chicago in July 2018, will include a plaque and monetary award of up to $5,000. Nominees will be notified of the results prior to the Conference.
If you’re a CBO, or know of a CBO, that is building a dynamic partnership with a health care entity to improve the quality of life for older adults and/or people with disabilities—you have until Monday, June 11, 2018 to submit your nomination!