What this article covers:
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- What is the Hudson Valley Social Care Network (SCN): A free program connecting Hudson Valley Medicaid members to everyday supports like food assistance, housing help, and transportation to non-medical appointments
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- Who it’s for: All Medicaid Managed Care members, including those not eligible for Health Home care management
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- How it works: Complete a quick, confidential screening → get matched with a care navigator → connect to local services from trusted community-based organizations and healthcare providers
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- How to start: Self-screen online, call 914-215-5292, or ask your doctor or local community organization for a referral
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not feeling well or recovering from challenging circumstances. With doctor visits, caring for your family, and keeping daily life on track, it can be hard to find the time or resources for everything you need. Sometimes, you might need a little extra help with things like finding healthy food, making your home safer, or arranging a ride to an important appointment.
Did you know that up to 80% of your health depends on things outside the doctor’s office? Thingslike nutritious food, stable housing, reliable transportation, and a safe place to live. Addressing these needs can make a big difference in keeping people healthy and preventing avoidable hospital visits.
For thousands of Hudson Valley residents with Medicaid, there’s now an easier way to get connected to that kind of support.
The Hudson Valley Social Care Network (SCN) is a new program that links Medicaid members to services that meet everyday needs—like food assistance, housing help, and transportation to non-medical appointments. It’s open to all Medicaid members, even if you’re not eligible for Health Home care management.
Here’s how it works:
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- You complete a free, confidential screening (in person, by phone, or online) to share what you need most
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- A care navigator will connect you to local health-related social needs (HRSN) services from trusted community-based organizations and healthcare providers
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- The SCN uses shared technology so your care team can coordinate services, making it easier to get help without repeating your story at every step
The SCN has already helped thousands of people across the Hudson Valley. With more than 600,000 Medicaid members eligible for screening in our region, the impact continues to grow.
We know you still have questions, so we’ve shared some of those that are asked most frequently about the SCN below.
How do I know if I’m eligible for Social Care Network services?
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- You’re enrolled in Medicaid Managed Care
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- You have one or more unmet health-related social needs (such as lack of healthy food, safe housing, or reliable transportation)
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- You’re part of an Enhanced Service Population, which can include children and adults, members with behavioral health conditions, pregnant persons, and other Medicaid populations who would benefit from additional support
Even if you don’t meet all the criteria above, you may still be connected to similar services through other state, federal, or local programs. A quick, free screening will help determine the best options for you.
What if I’m already enrolled in a Health Home program?
You can still be screened for the Social Care Network. In fact, the two programs are designed to work hand-in-hand. Your Health Home care manager can complete the SCN screening with you to see if there are additional services you may qualify for—such as help with past-due utility bills, mold remediation, or medically tailored meals—that may not be covered through Health Home alone. Participating in both programs won’t affect your Health Home enrollment or your Medicaid coverage.
Is it free to enroll in the Social Care Network?
Yes. If you have Medicaid and meet the program criteria, there is no cost to join a Health Home or be screened for the SCN.
Can my whole family participate?
Yes, if anyone in your household has a Medicaid number, they can be screened and get the help they need. Everyone may qualify for different services based on their unique needs.
What if I already received help from a food pantry or housing agency?
You may still be eligible for other services, like:
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- Additional food support
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- Medically tailored meals
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- Help with past-due utility bills
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- Mold remediation or accessibility improvements
Will I lose my benefits if I don’t join?
No. These programs are voluntary and won’t affect your Medicaid coverage. You can join or leave at any time.
How do I get started?
There are lots of options to get started with the Hudson Valley Social Care Network services!
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- Ask your doctor, clinic, or local community organization for information
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- Visit us to find a network partner that can help screen you
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- Visit the self-screen page at your convenience
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- Call HVCC SCN at 914-215-5292 to speak with someone today
Still Have Questions?
Check out our website to learn more about HVCC. The programs we administer are delivered through our trusted community-based partners—many of which you may already know. Our mission is to make care easier to access, more coordinated, and better aligned with your real-life needs.
