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Passing responsibilities down to lower levels of government should be undertaken primarily to place services closer to the people being served and to maximize administrative
Food and nutrition programs should have adequate funding to engage in robust outreach efforts.
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.
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.