Social Care Network (SCN):

Free Help with Housing, Food, and Non-Medical Transportation

As a New York Medicaid Member, you have access to a regional Social Care Network — a state program that connects you with free help for the everyday things that affect your health. That includes a safe place to live, cooking supplies to support healthy cooking practices, a way to get to your appointments, and someone to help coordinate it all. These services are known as Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) services. 

The Social Care Network is part of New York State’s Medicaid program. New York State works with five regional Social Care Network Lead Entities to bring this support to Medicaid Members across the state.

Who can use the Social Care Network?

The Social Care Network is available to New York Medicaid Members. That includes members of:

• Elderplan for Medicaid Beneficiaries (HMO-POS D-SNP)
• Elderplan Plus Long-Term Care (HMO-POS D-SNP), our MAP plan
• HomeFirst Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC)

If you’re not sure whether you have New York Medicaid, call Member Services, and we’ll help you find out.

What kind of help is available

SCNs can assist with:

• Housing & Utilities Support
  • Helping you find and apply for safe and stable housing in the community, which may include assistance with rent and utilities.
  • Mold, pest remediation, and asthma remediation services.
  • Providing air conditioners, heaters, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers to help improve ventilation in your home.
  • Providing small refrigeration units needed for medical treatment.
  • Home modifications like ramps, handrails, grab bars, pathways, electric door openers, widening of doorways, door and cabinet handles, bathroom facilities, kitchen cabinets or sinks, and non-skid surfaces to make your home accessible and safe.
• Transportation
  • Public or private transportation for SCN-approved non-medical locations like career counseling, job training or any related to your services.  
• Care Management
  • Job training, applying for benefits, and support in managing your finances
  • Childcare, counseling, crisis intervention and health homes program

How do I know if I qualify?

To see if you qualify for HRSN services, you will need to complete a short screening. A Social Care Network Navigator (or a health care worker within the SCN) will ask you questions about your needs and living situation. If you qualify, the SCN will connect and refer you to services. If you do not qualify, they may refer you to other local, state, or federal programs that can help 

How to get started

Call your Member Services team and let us know you’d like to connect with the Social Care Network. We’ll connect you with the SCN in your area. A Social Care Navigator will then talk with you, check what services you may qualify for, and walk you through your options.

Want to learn more about the program.

The New York State Department of Health runs the Social Care Network program. You can read more about it on the NYS DOH website at health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/redesign/sdh/scn.