Address the Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health are conditions in the environments in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks. While comprehensively addressing the root causes of and health outcomes associated with social determinants of health is a complex, long-term endeavor, there are steps policymakers can take today to more holistically meet the needs of people with Medicare. We encourage policymakers to ensure that effective approaches are equally available to all beneficiaries.