Description

In July 2015, the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) convened state Medicaid officials; federal policymakers from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Office of Management and Budget, and the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness; and experts in the fields of managed care, housing, and homelessness to address this issue. The discussion, made possible by the California HealthCare Foundation, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, and the New York State Health Foundation, sought to identify strategies for expanding access to housing for Medicaid beneficiaries who are chronically homeless. Drawing on insights from the session, this brief highlights key opportunities for Medicaid programs to better address the housing needs of these individuals. This brief outlines eight key strategies and practical action steps to help states advance supportive housing options in order to inform states that are seeking ways to use Medicaid funding for essential housing-related services.