Socioeconomic factors such as physical environment, economic stability, community and social contexts, education, nutrition, and health care accessibility can negatively affect patient health outcomes. When possible, it’s valuable to review these factors as part of patient evaluation and care coordination.
Peoples Health addresses some of these challenges by continuing to offer the following benefits:
- Meals after an inpatient hospital stay – post-discharge meals are covered at $0 for all Peoples Health members discharged to their home or another Louisiana household following a stay at an inpatient hospital, inpatient rehabilitation facility or long-term acute care facility.
- Respite care – sessions are available to most Peoples Health members, depending on their plan. Members must be diagnosed with dementia to be eligible and must meet plan rules for documenting the condition, e.g., in the form of claim information.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) health and wellness items – an OTC benefit is available to most Peoples Health members, depending on their plan. Covered items include brand and generic OTC products, as well as home and bath safety devices. Members receive a monthly or quarterly credit to shop online or in-store at participating retailers. Members in a Peoples Health special needs plan receive an enhanced benefit that may allow credits to be used to purchase approved food items or pay utility bills.
Read our handout Addressing Social Determinants of Health for more information, including about these benefits and how to refer patients requiring social support to the Peoples Health care team.
