Health Equity

In Health Care, More Money Is Being Spent On Patients’ Social Needs. Is It Working?

Abstract: Eager to control costs and sickness, hospitals and insurers are trying to help patients access better food, housing and transportation. But so far there is little research showing these efforts work.

Publication: NPR

Date Published: June 21, 2021

Author(s): Phil Galewitz

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This analysis of California’s state budget from 2007 to 2018 finds that to ensure the long-term health of the state, California needs to eliminate health care waste and direct the savings toward increased funding for programs that improve community conditions—like public education, public health, housing assistance, food assistance, and income support.