Figuring out housing as a key driver of well being outcomes, the U.S. Division of Housing and City Growth (HUD) and the Division of Well being and Human Companies (HHS) are collaborating beneath a brand new U.S. Playbook to Handle Social Determinants of Well being. 

HHS has additionally introduced a brand new Medicaid and CHIP Well being-Associated Social Wants (HRSNs) Framework to assist states assist clinically acceptable and evidence-based interventions to assist housing and diet wants for sure Medicaid enrollees, akin to by offering medically tailor-made meals to pregnant and postpartum girls, or serving to people with continual well being circumstances who’re experiencing homelessness to seek out and acquire housing. Medicaid companies offered beneath this Framework will complement present HUD packages, together with Housing Selection Vouchers and homelessness help grants. 

By way of the HHS and HUD Housing and Companies Useful resource Heart (HSRC), HUD will proceed to supply data to states and communities on how you can higher leverage Medicaid to cowl housing-related HRSNs and coordinate these companies with HUD’s packages. 

The HSRC is operated in partnership by HHS, HUD and the U.S. Division of Agriculture. Inside HHS, the partnership is led by the Administration for Neighborhood Dwelling and consists of the Facilities for Medicare & Medicaid Companies (CMS), the Substance Abuse and Psychological Well being Companies Administration (SAMHSA), the Administration for Kids and Households, the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, and the Workplace of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Analysis (ASPE). The Well being Sources and Companies Administration is also supporting complementary efforts to fund technical help to states to assist the event and implementation of sustainable financing of well being and housing packages.

Earlier this month, HUD and HHS introduced they are going to choose as much as 4 states to obtain federal technical help by way of the Housing and Companies Partnerships Accelerator to assist implement Medicaid housing-related HRSNs in coordination with HUD and state and native housing packages.

The Accelerator will assist states with Medicaid packages working to broaden modern housing-related helps and companies by way of part 1115 demonstrations for folks with disabilities and older adults who’re experiencing or prone to homelessness. Particularly, the Accelerator will carry collectively interdisciplinary groups from 4 states to deal with widespread points, akin to navigating fee fashions and charges, information integration and sharing, and extra.

“Housing is foundational to well being and lifelong success. Right now’s Playbook and suite of actions are necessary steps ahead in our efforts to advance well being fairness,” stated HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge, in an announcement. “HUD continues to work with our companions throughout the Administration and the nation to coordinate the housing, healthcare, and supportive companies that allow People to thrive. I encourage HUD grantees and companions to make the most of the Playbook to tell their work and engagement.”