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Congress should increase funding for the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) and Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) programs. Funding should reflect the increased population of older Americans.
The federal government should require state CSBG and SSBG officials to consult with state and local agencies and organizations representing older people and other groups served by the programs.
Policymakers should streamline and coordinate application procedures among different public-benefit programs.
Public health officials and policymakers should recognize social isolation as a significant public health issue and social determinant of health.
Policymakers and the private sector should develop a standardized screening tool to identify individuals experiencing social isolation.
Medicare, Medicaid, and other payers should reimburse providers for the use of a standardized tool, including during “Welcome to Medicare” and Annual Wellness visits.
Federal, state, and local policymakers should engage in robust, fully funded public health activities and programs.
All levels of government should provide adequate federal funding to support and maintain a robust public health care infrastructure.
Federal and state health agencies should expand and improve standardized data collection, sharing, and reporting to identify and address disparities in service.
All levels of government and the private sector should take sustained actions to address the drivers of disparities in health and health outcomes.