Requesting The Department Of Human Services To File A Request With The Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services To Amend The State's Existing Section 1115 Demonstration Program To Implement A Housing And Health Opportunities Demonstration Program To Enable Direct Housing Costs For Medicaid Recipients To Be Covered By The Federal Financial Participation For Medicaid.
The resolution highlights the connection between stable housing and healthcare access, asserting that inadequate housing can hinder enrollment in healthcare coverage and exacerbate health inequities. By embracing a model similar to Arizona's H2O program, which has been supported by successful federal approval, Hawaii aims to create a framework that incorporates housing assistance into Medicaid services. This amendment may be particularly beneficial for addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, including low-income individuals and families who may be at risk of homelessness.
Senate Resolution 186 (SR186) requests the Department of Human Services in Hawaii to file a request with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to amend the state's existing Section 1115 demonstration program. The proposed amendment aims to implement a Housing and Health Opportunities (H2O) demonstration program, which would allow direct coverage of housing costs for Medicaid recipients through federal financial participation. This initiative is designed to support those whose lack of stable housing is a barrier to accessing health care services.
While the proposal has potential benefits, it may also evoke debate regarding its feasibility and funding implications. Critics may raise concerns about the allocation of federal funds and whether it could impact other critical Medicaid services. Furthermore, stakeholders might question the operational aspects of implementing such a program, including the state’s capacity to manage and effectively deliver integrated health and housing services, particularly in light of existing budget constraints. This discussion is set against the backdrop of ongoing struggles with housing affordability and homelessness in Hawaii.