Research proves what our common sense already knows: the biggest factors that affect our health are our daily choices and experiences. Health care systems that are able to seamlessly integrate these “social factors” into their care delivery and reimbursement strategies will be significantly more effective in managing health, improving experience, and creating value for their customers. We know this first-hand after leading the development, implementation and assessment of an

The Heckman Curve summarizes decades of groundbreaking research by James Heckman, Nobel Laureate in Economics, on the real impact of investments in child health. The Heckman curve compares investments in child health during developmental stages to the returns generated in personal achievement and social productivity (labeled on the chart at “human capital”). Dr. Heckman’s analysis proves what we intuitively know to be true: the advantages a child experiences during the first

America’s steady transition to value-based care is reframing a critical influencer of health – social determinants – from a mission-driven investment to a business imperative. This evolution is fueled by recent decisions to “count” social health care as a covered benefit in public and private insurance programs. Why does this matter? It shifts expectations. Incorporating social health as a reimbursable service goes some way to normalizing the practice and expense of this care