The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) announced that as of May 2026 more than one million Medicaid members have now been screened for health-related social needs through New York’s Social Care Network program, helping connect New Yorkers to services that support healthier lives and communities.  The Social Care Network program helps eligible Medicaid members access services that address everyday challenges affecting health, including food insecurity, unstable housing, transportation barriers, and difficulty navigating available resources.

“New York is committed to caring for the whole person, not just their medical needs,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.  “Screening more than one million Medicaid members is a major step forward in identifying unmet needs and connecting people to critical supports like food, housing and transportation because health depends on the stability and dignity of everyday life.”

Through regional Social Care Networks, New York is strengthening partnerships among health care providers, community-based organizations, and local partners to better identify needs and connect people with support in their communities.  Members screened through the program are connected to a social care navigator who helps link them to local services and supports through the program tailored to their needs.

“We are transforming health care in New York by recognizing that health is shaped by much more than what happens in a doctor’s office,” New York State Medicaid Director Amir Bassiri said.  “Screening over one million Medicaid members through the Social Care Network program reflects our commitment to helping people access essential supports that improve lives.”

The Department recently launched an updated Social Care Network web page to help Medicaid members, providers, and community organizations more easily access program information and resources.  The web page includes information about program impact, available Social Care Network services and supports, member eligibility, resources for providers and community-based organizations, and program guidance.  The web page also includes the newly released infographic which showcases key performance indicators and consumer testimonials.  The Social Care Network program is part of New York’s broader Medicaid transformation to improve health outcomes, strengthen community-based services, and address the social drivers of health.  As the program continues to expand statewide, New York is building a more connected system that helps Medicaid members identify unmet needs and access the services and supports that can improve long-term health and well-being.  To see the original press release, visit the New York State Department of Health Announces Screening of More Than One Million Medicaid Members by New York Social Care Network Program web page.