Medicaid will apply to cover supportive housing services

DSS announced at today’s Medicaid Council meeting that they will be expanding their collaboration with state housing resources. Medicaid’s supportive housing option opportunity lets states bridge the firewall between healthcare and social service spending. CT Medicaid intends to cover transition and tenancy-sustaining services through a 1915(i) state plan amendment. Initially the program will cover up to 850 members with over $40,000 in Medicaid costs and at least one stay in a shelter over 12 months. The state will consider also targeting care plan intensity and costs. This program could help people with serious and persistent mental illness, other chronic conditions and/or high ER utilizers. The state is estimating state budget savings of $580,000 in FY 2020 and $3.1 million in FY 2021; total Medicaid costs, including federal funds, are expected to drop $2.7 million in FY 2020 and $13.9 million in FY 2021.