Improving Social Determinants of Health via the Workplace.

Abstract

Synopsis: Social determinants of health (SDOH), such as food security and healthcare access, are key to maintaining and improving health. Publicly funded safety-net programs, such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, address SDOH. Many low-wage employees are program-eligible, but there are substantial participation gaps. Providing information and assistance boosts program participation, and there are third-party organizations ready to aid employers in doing so. In an ideal world, everyone with a job would have the resources to thrive on their pay and benefits, but many do not. Employers could help bridge these gaps via promoting these programs via the workplace.