How COVID-19 highlights the need for HHS integration

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way state agencies provide health and human services (HHS). Namely, the public health crisis has highlighted and accelerated the imperative for state agencies to integrate their HHS programs to better meet the changing needs of vulnerable residents, workers, and providers.

Integrating these services for residents can provide states with increased flexibility to changing needs and service disruptions, helping ensure that communities are better equipped to handle complex and high consequence public health challenges. Integration of HHS programs can also help states reduce their administrative costs, improve program outcomes, rebalance agency workloads, and promote healthier outcomes for constituents.

The pandemic has accelerated the opportunity to recognize this integration imperative to better meet the whole person needs of those most at-risk. This issue brief explores five key lessons learned and considerations for states as they navigate post-pandemic care delivery.