CHICAGO, IL—Today, USAging awarded the United Disabilities Services (UDS) with The John A. Hartford Foundation 2025 Business Innovation Award for its innovative contracts with seven health systems to implement its Advanced Care Management Solutions (ACMS) program. This collaboration improves patient care transitions and enhances community integration for older adults and people with disabilities. The award was presented at USAging’s 50th Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Chicago, IL.

Founded in June 2022, UDS ACMS integrates care managers directly into hospital discharge teams, creating a unique approach that addresses complex community care needs through early intervention. By using resource flexibility to secure vital community resources and maintaining ongoing contact through six-month post-discharge follow-up, ACMS greatly reduces prolonged hospital stays and readmissions for those it serves.

The program’s award-winning model has delivered impressive results, including a 57-percent reduction in depression and anxiety scores; a 5-percent 30-day hospital readmission rate (compared to a 14.7-percent state average); and notable improvements in daily activities, mobility and a 92-percent decrease in falls.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this award, which validates our team’s relentless dedication to breaking down barriers for individuals with complex needs,” said Debra Scheidt, Sr. Vice President of Clinical Operations at UDS. “This recognition fuels our commitment to transforming health care by ensuring that social drivers of health are addressed proactively, leading to better outcomes and more fulfilling lives for those we serve.”

“We are thrilled to congratulate United Disability Services for being the winners of The John A. Hartford Foundation 2025 Business Innovation Award,” said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood. “Their dedication to innovative health care and social connection solutions has set a new standard of excellence and aligns closely with our mission to drive meaningful change.”

In addition to UDS, two other programs were selected as runners-up. “These innovators have demonstrated incredible creativity and commitment to improving the lives of older adults, caregivers and people with disabilities, inspiring us all to continue expanding what is possible. We are proud to support and honor such outstanding contributions to the field,” Markwood noted.

Runners-up for The John A. Hartford Foundation 2025 Business Innovation Award are Senior Connection, Inc. and Elder Services of Worcester, Inc. Senior Connections was recognized for its partnership with UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Massachusetts to develop the Care Express Rural Aging Health Access Program, a pioneering mobile health outreach initiative. Elder Services of Worcester, Inc., in collaboration with Blue Cross Blue Shield, was recognized for its Care Transitions Coaching Program, which improves health outcomes—including social connection—and reduces emergency room visits through timely follow-up, medication reconciliation and personalized coaching.

“When community-based organizations and health care partners come together, they create powerful solutions that improve health outcomes and strengthen social connection for older adults and people with disabilities,” said Rani E. Snyder, MPA, acting president of The John A. Hartford Foundation. “This year’s awardees from Pennsylvania and Massachusetts have created innovative, successful models that address social isolation—models with real potential to be replicated nationwide. We applaud their achievements and thank them for their leadership.”