Medicaid
Service providers need stable, reliable funding to meet the growing need for services in communities. Many states are using a mechanism known as Medicaid waivers to fund services that address health needs. At CSH, we work with our partners to make the case for state-level policy changes that expand Medicaid coverage and secure appropriate payment rates for services that promote stability and improved health.
Through smart policy changes, states can use Medicaid to fund services that improve health and housing stability.
States can implement Medicaid waivers, which allow states to use Medicaid to fund services that address people’s health needs. Funding health-related services through Medicaid has been shown to improve health while reducing reliance on expensive emergency health care.
State Work
Medi-Cal
California is leveraging Medi-Cal to fund housing-related services. We work to strengthen these programs so people experiencing homelessness can access and maintain stable housing.
- Lead the Housing-Related CalAIM Community Supports Advisory Committee, bringing together plans, providers, and people with lived experience
Standardize and streamline Community Supports delivery (housing navigation, deposits, tenancy supports) - Develop guidance on transitional rent (6 months of rent)
- Operate a Medi-Cal Academy to help providers become billers
- Advise the California Medicaid Office on policies impacting people experiencing homelessness
- Comment on Medicaid and behavioral health implementation
Systems Integration Work
- Convene statewide leaders through the Symposium on the Future of Behavioral Health and Housing (~300 participants)
- Continue cross-sector alignment through follow-up convenings
Policy & Advocacy
- Advocate for expanded employment services
- Support creation of a mandatory Medicaid benefit for sustainable services
- Advance H.R. 1 mitigation strategies, including:
- Funding for street medicine + recuperative care
- Faster SSI access
- Employment services for people experiencing homelessness
The National Center for Housing + Health
Visit the National Center for Housing + Health, powered by CSH, to learn more about our Medicaid and state-policy work.
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