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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.
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.
Federal and state governments should support research that identifies the effects of health-promoting behaviors on public health.
Officials at all levels of government should help people fulfill their personal responsibility to protect their health by taking advantage of health-education opportunities and affordable and appro