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2023 - 2024 LEGISLATURE
2023 ASSEMBLY BILL 711
November 27, 2023 - Introduced by Representatives PALMERI, BARE, CLANCY,
MADISON, RATCLIFF, SNODGRASS, SHELTON, DRAKE, STUBBS, SINICKI, BALDEH,
CABRERA, SUBECK, MOORE OMOKUNDE, ORTIZ-VELEZ, J. ANDERSON, OHNSTAD,
JACOBSON, CONSIDINE and EMERSON, cosponsored by Senators R OYS,
HESSELBEIN, TAYLOR, L. JOHNSON, LARSON and AGARD. Referred to Committee
on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care.
***AUTHORS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***
AN ACT to create 49.45 (62) and 49.46 (2) (b) 24. of the statutes; relating to:
reimbursement of services to find and sustain housing under the Medical
Assistance program.
Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau
This bill directs the Department of Health Services to request from the
secretary of the federal Department of Health and Human Services any waiver of
federal law, state plan amendment, or other federal approval necessary to allow DHS
to reimburse certified providers for services to help recipients of Medical Assistance
find and sustain housing. Under the bill, assistance to find and sustain housing may
include, among other things, financing for utility deposits, payments, or arrears;
payment of security deposits and first month's rent; onetime transition and moving
costs; early detection and intervention for behaviors that may jeopardize housing,
such as late rental payments and lease violations; and assistance with the housing
recertification process. If the federal Department of Health and Human Services
does not approve a waiver of federal law, state plan amendment, or other federal
approval as provided in the bill, DHS is not allowed to reimburse certified providers
for services to help recipients find and sustain housing under the bill. The Medical
Assistance program is a joint federal and state program that provides health services
to individuals who have limited financial resources.
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ASSEMBLY BILL 711
For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as
an appendix to this bill.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do
enact as follows:
SECTION 1. 49.45 (62) of the statutes is created to read:
49.45 (62) HOUSING ASSISTANCE. (a) The department shall request from the
secretary of the federal department of health and human services any waiver of
federal law, state plan amendment, or other federal approval necessary to permit the
department to reimburse certified providers for services to help Medical Assistance
recipients find and sustain housing under the Medical Assistance program under
this subchapter. If a waiver of federal law, state plan amendment, or other federal
approval under this paragraph is granted, the department shall reimburse certified
providers for services to help Medical Assistance recipients find and sustain housing
pursuant to this paragraph and state and federal law and regulations. Assistance
to find and sustain housing may include any of the following services as permitted
under this paragraph:
1. Financing for utility deposits, payments, or arrears.
2. Payment of security deposits and first month's rent.
3. Onetime transition and moving costs.
4. Short-term post hospitalization housing.
5. Education and training on the role, rights, and responsibilities of a tenant
and landlord.
6. Early detection and intervention for behaviors that may jeopardize housing,
such as late rental payments and lease violations.
7. Assistance with the housing recertification process.
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SECTION 1
ASSEMBLY BILL 711
8. Coordination with services and service providers for primary care, substance
use disorder treatment, mental health providers, and vocational and employment
support.
(b) If the federal department of health and human services does not approve
a waiver of federal law, state plan amendment, or other federal approval under par.
(a), the department may not reimburse certified providers for services to help
Medical Assistance recipients find and sustain housing under this subsection.
SECTION 2. 49.46 (2) (b) 24. of the statutes is created to read:
49.46 (2) (b) 24. Subject to s. 49.45 (62), assistance to find and sustain housing.
(END)
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