Creating a Modern and Responsive HHS System

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program benefits are becoming more integrated due to the availability of federal matching funds that help to align many elements of IT systems for Medicaid, TANF, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). New data sharing arrangements with the Social Security Administration are on the horizon. H/HS leaders are also focusing on person- and family-centered services and public-private partnerships that are bridging the gaps between government and other sectors so that common resources and strengths can be leveraged on behalf of all Americans. H/HS leaders know, however, that system transformation is not simply about aligning service delivery, integrating data systems, leveraging technologies, or applying family-centered approaches; it is ultimately about shaping a new ecosystem across sectors and systems that create efficiencies and lead to better outcomes. To drive these larger systemic changes, we believe we must focus on three major outcome-areas: (1) child and family well-being, (2) employment and economic well-being, and (3) improved population health. This paper explains why each of those outcome areas is key to generating a modern and responsive H/HS system that is not only efficient and cost effective but leads to improved well-being for all Americans. In addition to this paper, in a series of jointly- (and to be-) published policy briefs, we provide more detailed recommendations in support of these modernization efforts. As an immediate takeaway, our hope is that national policymakers will better understand the opportunities before us, invite H/HS leaders in our membership network to share their on-the-ground experiences, and join with us on this Pathways journey by enabling the policy and fiscal levers that can accelerate our path forward.