The relationship between housing and health is well established. Poor housing conditions can worsen health outcomes related to infectious and chronic disease, injury, and mental health, and may also affect childhood development through exposure to harmful toxins such as lead.
This issue brief describes how Medicaid programs can pay for certain housing-related services. It begins by reviewing relevant guidance issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the various federal Medicaid authorities under which states can cover housing-related services. It provides examples of how certain states braid multiple funding sources to provide supports, and also discusses the use of health services initiatives under the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for this purpose.