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NYS FAM Research
Resource Guide

Medicaid Section 1115 Waivers: The Basics

This brief explains that Section 1115 waivers allow states to test new approaches in Medicaid that differ from federal requirements, provided they promote the program's objectives. It outlines the authority and purpose of these waivers, their scope and use—including expanding coverage, modifying delivery systems, and restructuring financing—and details the application and approval process. The document also highlights how waiver priorities can shift with changing federal administrations, reflecting evolving healthcare policies and state initiatives.
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NYS 1115 Demonstration Waiver 2024-2027

2025

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1115 Waiver Funding Guide for Service Providers

This guide outlines funding mechanisms for community-based organizations (CBOs) delivering Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) services to Medicaid members. It details various funding approaches, including braided funding, which combines multiple sources to support services beyond the capacity of a single funding stream. The document aims to assist CBOs in navigating financial strategies to sustain and expand their HRSN services effectively.​

Hochul, K., McDonald, J.V., Morne, J.E. (2025, September). Memo: Reimbursement of HRSN service providers for services delivered via
the SCN program, Context on the SCN Program. New York State Department of Health. https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/redesign/sdh/scn/docs/cbo_funding_guide.pdf

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NYS 1115 Demonstration Waiver 2024-2027

2025

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Waiver Information for Health Care Providers

This source outlines the role of health care providers in the Social Care Network (SCN) program, which aims to integrate physical health, behavioral health, and services addressing health-related social needs (HRSNs) for Medicaid members. Providers are encouraged to screen patients for HRSNs using the Accountable Health Communities Health-Related Social Needs Assessment and can receive reimbursement if they contract with a regional SCN Lead Entity and meet specific criteria. The page also offers an introductory guide and FAQs to assist providers in understanding and participating in the SCN program.

New York State Department of Health. (2025, July). Information for Health Care Providers. https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/redesign/sdh/scn/providers.htm

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NYS 1115 Demonstration Waiver 2024-2027

2025

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Social Care Network Operations Manual_8.9.2024.pdf

This document outlines the structure, goals, and operational guidelines for the SCN program, which aims to integrate health-related social needs (HRSN) services into the healthcare system to enhance patient outcomes and promote health equity. Key sections include the program's vision and goals, infrastructure requirements such as network capacity and IT platforms, care delivery approaches encompassing screening and social care navigation, performance management strategies, and payment models. The manual serves as a foundational guide for entities participating in the SCN program, detailing protocols and expectations to ensure effective implementation and coordination of social care services.

New York State Department of Health. (2024, August 9). Social Care Network: Program, Billing, and Data Governance Operations Manual. [Version 1]. https://www.chcanys.org/sites/default/files/SCN%20Operations%20Manual_8.9.2024.pdf

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NYS 1115 Demonstration Waiver 2024-2027

2024

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Social Care Networks Information Page

This source is from the New York State Department of Health that outlines the Social Care Networks (SCN) initiative, part of the NY Medicaid 1115 Waiver. SCNs are regional entities tasked with connecting healthcare providers and community-based organizations to better address Health-Related Social Needs (HRSNs) like food, housing, and transportation for Medicaid recipients. The program's goal is to create a more integrated system that identifies social needs, coordinates services, and tracks outcomes to improve health equity across the state. SCNs will also work to build regional infrastructure, manage data sharing, and ensure culturally competent care.

New York State Department of Health. (2025, August). Social Care Networks (SCN). https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/redesign/sdh/scn/index.htm

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NYS 1115 Demonstration Waiver 2024-2027

2025

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NYS DOH Social Care Initiatives

This page outlines NYSDOH's efforts to integrate social care into the Medicaid program, aiming to address Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) such as inadequate nutrition, unstable housing, unemployment, limited education, lack of transportation, and interpersonal safety. Key initiatives include the establishment of Social Care Networks (SCNs) to coordinate HRSN services and the implementation of a Medical Respite Program for individuals requiring short-term residential care. The page also provides additional resources related to value-based payment, health equity, and various Medicaid benefits.

New York State Department of Health. (2024, November). Social Care Initiatives: Promoting Health Equity Through Integrated Social Care in Medicaid. https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/redesign/sdh/scn/index.htm

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NYS 1115 Demonstration Waiver 2024-2027

2024

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NYS DOH Social Care Networks Operations Manual - Updated January 2025

This manual outlines the framework for integrating social care services into the Medicaid program, detailing the vision, goals, and design of the SCN program. It provides specific guidance on infrastructure requirements, care delivery approaches, performance management, and payment structures for entities participating in the SCN initiative. The manual serves as a foundational resource for organizations involved in delivering Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) services to Medicaid members across New York State.

New York State Department of Health. (2025, August). Social Care Network: Program, Billing, and Data Governance Operations Manual. [Version 5]. https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/redesign/sdh/scn/docs/operations_manual.pdf

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NYS 1115 Demonstration Waiver 2024-2027

2025

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Tufts University and Leading Health Care Organizations Launch Food is Medicine National Network of Excellence

This article announces the formation of the Food is Medicine National Network of Excellence, a collaborative initiative led by Tufts University in partnership with prominent health care organizations. The network's mission is to develop, convene, and share best practices in Food is Medicine to improve well-being. By fostering collaboration among academic institutions, healthcare providers, and community organizations, the initiative aims to integrate food-based interventions into healthcare to enhance patient outcomes and promote health equity.

Mozaffarian, D. (2025, February 6). Tufts University and Leading Health Care Organizations Launch Food is Medicine Network National Network of Excellence. Tufts University, news wise. https://www.newswise.com/articles/tufts-university-and-leading-health-care-organizations-launch-food-is-medicine-national-network-of-excellence

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Healthcare Initiatives

2025

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What Tufts, Kaiser Permanente and Others Hope to Achieve with the Food is Medicine National Network of Excellence

This article discusses the launch of the Food is Medicine National Network of Excellence, a collaborative initiative led by Tufts University in partnership with organizations like Kaiser Permanente, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, CVS Health, Devoted Health, Elevance Health, Geisinger, and Highmark Health. The network aims to develop, assess, and share best practices in food-is-medicine interventions, such as medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions, to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. The article highlights the importance of nutrition in health and the economic impact of poor diets, noting that suboptimal nutrition contributes to $1.1 trillion in annual costs due to healthcare expenses and lost productivity.

Plescia, M. (2025, February 17). What Tufts, Kaiser Permanente and Others Hope to Achieve with the Food is Medicine National Network of Excellence. MedCity News. https://medcitynews.com/2025/02/tufts-kaiser-permanente-food-medicine/

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Healthcare Initiatives

2025

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NASDA Members Advocate for Expansion of “Food as Medicine” Programs

This article reports that members of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) have voted to support federal programs and policies aimed at expanding "food as medicine" initiatives and enhancing their integration with local and regional food systems. NASDA CEO Ted McKinney emphasized that such programs offer new opportunities for small and medium-sized farmers to participate in public health initiatives, ensuring broader access to nutritious foods that support health. The article also notes that NASDA's updated policy supports utilizing federal funding for programs like medically tailored meals to improve health outcomes and reduce medical costs.

ParishableNews.com. (2025, February 28). NASDA Members Advocate for Expansion of "Food as Medicine" Programs. https://perishablenews.com/retailfoodservice/nasda-members-advocate-for-expansion-of-food-as-medicine-programs/

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Healthcare Initiatives

2025

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Washington food banks and pantries able to increase healthier and culturally relevant foods after adopting nutrition policy | American Heart Association

This release highlights the collaboration between the American Heart Association and the Washington Food Coalition to implement nutrition policies in food banks and pantries across Washington state. The initiative aims to enhance the availability of nutritious and culturally appropriate foods for individuals facing food insecurity, particularly those managing chronic health conditions like obesity and diabetes. The release reports that agencies with these policies have improved communication with donors, increased the availability of fruits and vegetables, and better addressed client food preferences.

American Heart Association. (2025, March 10). Washington food banks and pantries able to reach healthier and culturally relevant foods after adopting nutrition policy. Newsroom. https://newsroom.heart.org/local-news/washington-food-banks-and-pantries-able-to-increase-healthier-and-culturally-relevant-foods-after-adopting-nutrition-policy

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Healthcare Initiatives

2025

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Hospital Community Benefit: Addressing Nutrition as a Primary Community Health Need (CHLPI)

This document examines how nonprofit hospitals can fulfill federal tax-exempt requirements by addressing nutrition as a critical component of community health. It highlights the Affordable Care Act's mandate for hospitals to conduct community health needs assessments and adopt implementation strategies, emphasizing the role of food and nutrition services in preventing and managing chronic illnesses. The brief encourages collaboration between hospitals and community-based food and nutrition service providers to utilize community benefit funds effectively, aiming to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation. (2015, June). Hospital Community Benefit: Addressing Nutrition as a Primary Community Health Need. Harvard Law School, Issue Brief. https://chlpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Hospital-Community-Benefit-issue-brief-June_2015.pdf

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Medical Education/Nutrition Curricula

2015

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Nutrition Education for Physicians and Health Professionals: Policy Opportunities for New York

This brief addresses the critical role of nutrition in preventing and managing chronic diseases, highlighting the insufficient nutrition education currently provided to physicians. It presents policy opportunities for New York City and State to enhance nutrition training among healthcare professionals, including legislative resolutions and recognition awards for programs investing in nutrition education. The brief emphasizes the urgency of these initiatives, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on diet-related health disparities.

Broad Leib, E.M., Donahue, S. (2020, September). Nutrition Education for Physicians and Health Professionals: Policy Opportunities for New York. Food Law and Policy Clinic, Harvard Law School. https://chlpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/NY-Nut-Ed-Issue-Brief-September-2020_final.pdf

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Medical Education/Nutrition Curricula

2020

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How Food and Diet Impact the Treatment of Disease and Disease Management

This slide show demonstrates the overwhelming evidence of the importance in Food as Medicine, its impact on health and power to treat disease. It addresses the lack of nutrition education among healthcare providers and the disemination of misinformation in mainstrain media regarding the use of food as medicine, "alienating many health care providers from opting to adopt FAM programs and policies".

Center for Food As Medicine. (n.d.). Food As Medicine: How Food and Diet Impact the Treatment of Disease and Disease Management. [PowerPoint slides]. Hunter College, New York City, Food Policy Center. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1nObOtmTXri14HrBImgDlmk4NpMI-MwdjVq4gjS9P5C4/edit?slide=id.p#slide=id.p

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Medical Education/Nutrition Curricula

n.d.

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Guide for Effective Nutrition Interventions and Education

This source is the Guide for Effective Nutrition Interventions and Education (GENIE), developed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation with support from the ConAgra Foods Foundation. GENIE is designed as a practical, evidence-based, self-assessment tool to assist nutrition education practitioners in creating high-quality and effective programs. It features a checklist encompassing nine categories and 35 quality criteria, allowing users to evaluate aspects such as program goals, instructional methods, and sustainability. Upon completion, users receive a score and tailored feedback to identify strengths and areas for improvement in their programs. Additionally, GENIE offers sample proposals, scoring benchmarks, and instructional videos to guide users through the program development and evaluation process.

EatRight.org. (2025). Guide for Effective Nutrition Interventions and Education (GENIE). Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation. https://www.eatrightfoundation.org/resources/genie

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Medical Education/Nutrition Curricula

2025

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