; they include factors like socioeconomic status, education, housing, transportation, nutrition and literacy. (2) Research has shown that addressing social determinants of health is important for improving overall health and reducing health inequities. (3) Social determinants that negatively impact health can have harmful neurodevelopmental and biological consequences that develop in childhood and manifest in adulthood. (4) There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that policies that specifically address social needs, including policies targeting children and families, can improve community health outcomes and have the potential to reduce health care spending. (5) Some State Medicaid programs have begun testing innovative delivery and payment models designed to improve health outcomes and reduce costs by implementing strategies to address social determinants of health under existing Medicaid authorities as well as through the use of waivers, though payment incentives linked to social determinant of health are not common. (6) Despite a growing focus on social determinants of health in State managed care contracts, most States do not provide necessary guidance for managed care organizations as to how they may use existing authority under Federal law to provide patients with services that can improve health by addressing social determinants. (7) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services guidance and technical assistance are critical tools that could increase adoption of strategies to address social determinants of health among State Medicaid agencies. (b) Purposes It is the purpose of this subtitle to provide States with additional operational clarity and examples of the strategies they can leverage through existing authority and waivers to address social determinants of health for the Medicaid population. 22103. Requirement to issue guidance to clarify strategies to address social determinants of health in the Medicaid program and the Children’s Health Insurance Program Not later than 2 years after the date of