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Policymakers and health care administrators must conduct adequate emergency preparedness planning.

Federal and state governments should ensure the collection and public reporting of comprehensive, accurate data during an epidemic or pandemic and other public health crises or natural disasters. 

Health care providers, businesses, schools, organizations, and individuals should be educated about behavioral risk factors for contracting and spreading serious communicable diseases.

Private health plans must prevent the improper use or release of personally identifiable medical information.

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.

During times of crisis, state and local governments and the private sector should use evidence-based tools to identify, monitor, and address social isolation among older adults. 

Federal, state, and local policymakers should engage in robust, fully funded public health activities and programs.

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.