ICYMI: Business Acumen Center Weekly Update

ANCOR is sharing this item from our Friday Weekly Update as a courtesy to our members.

As written by Donna Martin, Director of State Partnerships and Special Projects:

I’m sure there are celebrations, recognitions, and appreciations happening all around the country this week, and for good reason!  It is our DSPs who make a difference in the lives of millions of people every day.  And it is through their work that we are able to make positive impacts on the quality of life and maintenance of health and well-being. 

In fact, in the arena of integrated care, MCOs are recognizing that WE are the ones making strides on the initiatives to improve Social Determinants of Health.  “Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age that shape health.”[1]  These indicators are major requirements embedded in MCOs’ contracts with states and we lead the way on their achievement.   These factors include things such as economic stability (DSPs assist with employment supports, budgeting, money management); physical environment (DSPs assist with transportation, housing attainment and maintenance, and general safety); access to food (DSPs assist with planning, shopping, meal prep, nutrition); community and social support (DSPs assist with community integration, developing true inclusion, and combating discrimination); and access to health care (DSPs support people in overall health maintenance including medication management, medical appointments, and living a healthy lifestyle). 

These are all elements of a person’s healthy life that states and payers cannot directly impact and need our services to achieve!  So DSPs, remember YOU are the backbone of these successes and every day we thank you for your commitment and dedication to those you serve.