by SDOH Solutions Team
As healthcare continues to evolve, addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) remains a critical focus for policymakers, providers, and advocates. At SDOH Solutions, we’re committed to keeping you informed on the most recent legislative changes, regulatory updates, and industry news shaping equitable care. Below, we’ve curated the five most recent articles and announcements from 2025, each with a concise summary and direct link for deeper reading. These updates highlight shifts in CMS policies, reimbursement models, and data collection efforts—essential insights for navigating the SDOH landscape.
1. Unraveling Reform: SDoH and Health Equity Changes in the 2026 Proposed Rule
Published July 27, 2025
The CMS FY 2026 proposed rule introduces significant adjustments to SDOH requirements, proposing to remove several SDOH-related quality measures from key programs like inpatient rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities to alleviate administrative burdens. Four SDOH items will become optional in 2025 and fully phased out by 2028, emphasizing a more targeted approach to data collection and prioritizing clinical outcomes over broad mandates.
Read the full article
2. How is CMS Addressing Social Determinants of Health: SDOH 2025?
Published May 11, 2025
CMS is ramping up its SDOH initiatives for 2025 by integrating social risk data into risk adjustment models for Medicare Advantage and Medicaid, alongside new CPT codes for screenings and care coordination to boost reimbursements for interventions. These changes aim to make social care financially viable, enhance health equity measures, and improve outcomes for at-risk populations.
Read the full article
3. A Reality Check on SDOH: Challenges We Can’t Ignore
Published May 6, 2025
Drawing from recent SDOH conferences, this piece examines persistent hurdles in data collection, such as limited claim form spaces for Z-codes under CMS guidelines, which hinder comprehensive tracking of social needs. It calls for better infrastructure to capture root causes of health disparities and advance meaningful SDOH integration in care delivery.
Read the full article
4. Policy – NASDOH
Published March 17, 2025
The National Academy for State Health Policy (NASDOH) outlines key advocacy efforts, including comments on FY 2025 Prospective Payment Systems emphasizing SDOH quality measures and rural access. It also supports bills like the SDOH Data Collection Act to standardize state-level data in Medicaid and CHIP, fostering better coordination across federal and state levels.
Read the full article
5. CMS Releases FY 2025 Final Rule for Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities
Published August 6, 2024 (Impacting 2025 Implementation)
Under the FY 2025 IRF rule, CMS mandates four new SDOH data elements (covering living situation, food, utilities, and modified transportation) via the IRF-PAI starting October 1, 2026, for FY 2028 quality reporting. This builds on a 2.7% payment increase while refining measures to support informed care decisions and reduce disparities.
Read the full article
The CMS FY 2026 Proposed Rule
As outlined in the article from Solventum dated July 27, 2025, introduces changes to Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) requirements, focusing on reducing administrative burdens while maintaining health equity priorities. Key points include:
- Removal of SDOH Measures: Four SDOH-related quality measures (covering living situation, food, utilities, and transportation) will become optional in 2025 and be fully phased out by 2028 for programs like Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRF) and Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF). This aims to streamline data collection and prioritize clinical outcomes.
- Health Equity Focus: CMS proposes refining health equity measures to reduce reporting complexity while still addressing disparities through targeted data use.
- Administrative Relief: The rule responds to provider feedback by easing mandatory SDOH data collection, allowing facilities to focus on actionable interventions over extensive reporting.
These changes reflect CMS’s effort to balance SDOH integration with operational efficiency. For details, see the full article: SDOH and Health Equity Changes in 2026.
These updates underscore a dynamic year for SDOH, with a balance between expanded data requirements and efforts to streamline burdens. Stay tuned to SDOH Solutions for ongoing analysis and resources to help your organization adapt.
