Role of Medicaid and services
Supportive services, particularly strong case management services, are critical to the success of transitional, rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing programs. There has been much talk about the role that Medicaid expansion can play in addressing the services needs of supportive housing tenants. Yet much of this talk glosses over the fact that many states, including ours, are not using Medicaid in way that it can be easily utilized for supportive housing services. HUD, the USICH and other federal entities should provide more technical assistance and guidance to states and local communities so they can effectively advocate for the necessary changes. This should include strategies on how states can use Medicaid to support patient-centered, long-term care (as opposed to episode model of care) It should also be recognized that Continuum of Care funds will continue to be an important source of services funding, as Medicaid will not cover all services that supportive housing tenants need. - Submitted by the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness