Health Plans Have the SDoH Data. New Research Shows only 7% are Highly Effective at Using It.

New Sage Growth Partners research identifies a significant gap between collecting social drivers of health data and using it to improve maternal health

BALTIMORE, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Health plans are collecting significant amounts of social drivers of health (SDoH) data, but only few believe they are highly effective at turning that information into action, according to new research from national health care consultancy Sage Growth Partners. Sage's survey of 50 health plan leaders found that 60% collect SDoH screening data, yet just 7% describe their organizations as "very effective" at acting on that information.

The findings are detailed in a new report, From SDoH Data to Maternal Health Action, which examines how health plans can move beyond simply identifying members' social needs and use SDoH insights to improve maternal health strategies, investments and outcomes.

"Health plans don't have a data problem. They have an action problem," said Dan D'Orazio, CEO of Sage Growth Partners. "Plans are collecting valuable information about the social barriers affecting mothers and babies, but data creates little value sitting in a database. The opportunity is to turn those insights into decisions about where to intervene, where to invest and where members need help most."

Maternal health gaps underscore the need for action
The stakes are particularly significant in maternal health, as health plan leaders identified several major gaps affecting their maternal populations, including:

• Access to OB/GYNs in rural areas — 66% 
• Access to high-risk OB/Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists — 62% 
• Behavioral health and postpartum depression services — 56% 
• Completion of the first prenatal visit within the recommended window — 46% 
• NICU capacity — 38% 

While 60% of surveyed health plan leaders report collecting SDoH screening data, 80% are only "somewhat confident" in their ability to use it, suggesting that collecting information is only the first step toward addressing the broader social needs of members.

The report suggests that the next stage of SDoH strategy for health plans isn't simply collecting more information. It's activating the information they already have.

Five steps from SDoH data to action
To help health plans close this gap, Sage is recommending a five-step maturity path for moving from SDoH screening to strategic action:

1. Screen members to identify broad social needs.
2. Map those needs to maternal, postpartum and NICU risks.
3. Connect members to case management, benefits and community resources.
4. Track which needs are resolved and which remain unaddressed.
5. Act on identified gaps by using the data to guide investments, partnerships and other resource-allocation decisions.

The approach is designed to help health plans move beyond documenting social needs toward better understanding which needs are driving risk, whether interventions are working and where additional resources can have the greatest impact.

Health plans are willing to invest—but don't expect immediate returns
The research also suggests health plan leaders recognize that addressing social barriers requires a longer-term investment. Sixty-four percent of surveyed health plan leaders are comfortable with an ROI timeline of up to three years when evaluating investments aimed at overcoming SDoH challenges.

"What's particularly encouraging is that health plan leaders aren't necessarily demanding immediate ROI," D'Orazio said. "Nearly two-thirds are comfortable evaluating SDoH investments over extended periods. That gives plans an important window to make targeted investments today that can improve access, reduce avoidable escalation and support better member experiences."

From SDoH Data to Maternal Health Action is the final installment in Sage Growth Partners' three-part State of Maternal & NICU Care 2026 research series.

Part one, The Medicaid Maternity Cliff: How Health Plans Can Support Members Amid Widespread Coverage Loss, examined the potential impact of Medicaid coverage disruptions on pregnant and postpartum women.

Part two, The Communication Chasm: Why Mothers Feel Lost in the System and How Health Plans Can Help, explored the disconnect between the maternity resources health plans provide and how well members understand and value that information. Sage's previous research found that 56% of surveyed mothers did not fully understand their care plans.

Together, the three reports examine some of the most significant challenges health plans face in supporting maternal and NICU populations—from maintaining coverage and improving member communication to turning SDoH data into meaningful action.

Download From SDoH Data to Maternal Health Action here. 

About Sage Growth Partners
Sage Growth Partners is a healthcare growth strategy and marketing firm with deep expertise in market research, go-to market strategy, and marketing communications. Founded in 2005, the company's extensive domain experience ensures that healthcare organizations thrive amid the complexities of a rapidly changing marketplace. Sage serves clients across the full healthcare spectrum, including GE Healthcare, Press Ganey, LexisNexis, ProgenyHealth, HMR Veterans Services, Eagle Telemedicine, Philips Healthcare, Cecelia Health and Xealth. For more information, visit sage-growth.com 

John Gonda
[email protected]

SOURCE Sage Growth Partners