Adopting a nurse-led model of care to advance whole-person health and health equity within Medicaid

Background

Medicaid payment reforms and delivery model innovations are needed to fully transform U.S. healthcare structuring and provision.

Purpose

To synthesize nurse-led models of care and their implications for improving health care access, quality, and reducing costs for Medicaid recipients.

Methods

A critical review of the literature regarding nurse-led models and implications for addressing social determinants of health (SDOH), adopting population health approaches, managing complex care, and integrating behavioral and physical health care within Medicaid.

Discussion

Three interrelated findings emerged (a) investing in dynamic nurse-led models is important for mitigating SDOH and adopting value-based care, (b) regulations preventing nurses from practicing at the fullest extent of their training and licensure limit clinical impact and value, and (c) directed payments can establish value-based expectations for Medicaid managed care.

Conclusion

Adoption of a nurse-led model of care has the potential to advance the goals of reducing inequity and promoting whole-person health within Medicaid and nationally.