U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ), along with Represenatatives Bill Pascrell and Josh Gottheimer (both D-N.J.) today announced the awarding of an $824,110 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers, and a $556,102 grant from the HHS to the Hackensack University Medical Center.

Both grants will be used to fund the two organizations participation in the Accountable Health Communities Initiative, which researches and addresses the intersection between the medical and social needs of people receiving Medicare and Medicaid.

“I’m proud to announce this important federal investment in Hackensack University Medical Center, one of the county’s largest employers,” said Rep. Josh Gottheimer. “Not only will this grant help improve the health and lives of the people of Bergen County, but it also represents a better return on investment for the tax dollars North Jersey sends to Washington.”

“Medicare and Medicaid are two life-saving programs, and ensuring that recipients of these benefits are receiving the best care possible is incredibly important,” said Sen. Menendez. “The intersection between health needs and social needs is often understudied and deserves better research. We know that social circumstances, like location of the home, can lead to people developing chronic conditions or frequent illness, but more research needs to be done on how to combat this outcome. Through conducting research, these two organizations will ensure that those receiving Medicare or Medicaid in New Jersey are having their needs met by the medical community.”

“The Accountable Health Communities model addresses the critical gaps between clinical care and community services, including the unmet health-related social needs of Medicaid and Medicare recipients,” said Sen. Booker. “This federal investment will help these two respected New Jersey institutions assist residents in navigating the community based services available to them while providing the medical community much-needed research. I applaud the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers and the Hackensack University Medical Center for their commitment to improving the overall quality of life of Medicare and Medicaid recipients in New Jersey.”

“We’re proud to see New Jersey at the forefront of delivery-system reform, this time by participating in the Accountable Health Communities Model,” said Rep. Bill Pascrell (NJ-09). “With these funds, Hackensack can help accelerate our quest for a health care system that offers better care at a lower cost — especially for beneficiaries with the most complex and expensive needs. Medicare and Medicaid welcome these beneficiaries, and we applaud CMS for their continued efforts to partner with local communities to find the most innovative solutions to best serve the seniors, children, and the disabled and working poor of New Jersey.”

“We know that this grant will help to meet our patients socioeconomic needs and will improve their health outcomes” said Robert C. Garrett, Co-CEO Hackensack Meridian Health.

Both the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers (CCHP) and the Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) will be screening New Jersey citizens receiving Medicare or Medicaid benefits, referring them to community based services, helping them navigate these services, and ensuring that the medical community is aware of the research results. CCHP and HUMC are two of over 30 organizations that participate in the Accountable Health Communities Initiative.

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