5 Priorities to Reduce Health Disparities 2022-32

These priorities will guide CMS's efforts over the next decade, showcasing how the agency can implement each priority to achieve health equity and eliminate disparities. Each priority area reflects key issues identified by underserved and disadvantaged communities that require urgent CMS attention. Together, the five priorities provide a comprehensive approach to advancing health equity within current and future efforts by CMS and its partners.

Priority 1: Expand Standardized Data Collection, Reporting, and Analysis

CMS seeks to improve the collection and use of demographic and social determinants of health (SDOH) data at the individual level, including information on race, ethnicity, language, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, and more. By better understanding community needs, CMS will be able to implement quality improvement tools to ensure equitable access to care and coverage.

Priority 2: Assess the Causes of Disparities in CMS Programs and Address Inequities

CMS is committed to moving from observation to action, evaluating its programs and policies for unintended consequences and making concrete decisions about investments and resource allocation. Objectives include explicitly measuring the impact of policies on health equity and developing sustainable solutions that close gaps in health care access, quality, and outcomes.

Priority 3: Strengthen the Capacity of Health Organizations and the Workforce

Supporting healthcare providers and organizations that work directly with underserved communities is essential. CMS will seek to strengthen these professionals to reduce disparities at the point of care, ensuring that resources and policies allow them to meet the needs of communities.

Priority 4: Improve Language Access, Health Literacy and Cultural Services

CMS recognizes the importance of language access, health literacy, and the provision of culturally appropriate services. These strategies are critical to ensuring quality of care, patient safety, and improved health outcomes. CMS will work across its operations, direct communications, and partner guidance to improve people's experience within the health system.

Priority 5: Increase Accessibility to Health Services and Coverage

Ensuring that people can access health services when and where they need them is a key responsibility of CMS. This includes gathering direct feedback from people with disabilities to adapt programs and policies to ensure equitable access and quality.

With this revised framework, CMS reaffirms its commitment to building a more equitable health care system for all communities.

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