California Moves to Use Medicaid Funds for Housing

California Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a proposal to allocate more than $100 million annually from the state’s Medicaid program to pay for up to six months of housing for people who are or are at risk of becoming homeless; who are leaving the criminal legal system or foster care; or who are at risk of hospitalization or emergency room visits. The move represents a step by the state toward implementing more cross-sector solutions to housing instability and is especially noteworthy insofar as it would involve the country’s largest Medicaid program. “It’s a huge step toward breaking down the silos that have gotten in the way of taking care of the whole person rather than limb by limb and illness by illness,” said Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access California, a consumer advocacy group. Read an article about the policy proposal here.