Webinar: Improving Care for Medicaid Beneficiaries Experiencing Homelessness
State Health and Value Strategies
In recent years, a growing number of people who are experiencing homelessness have become Medicaid beneficiaries, and many are enrolled in Medicaid managed care plans. State Medicaid agencies, health plans, and providers can improve care for homeless beneficiaries with complex needs, while also controlling costs, by identifying these members and making connections with permanent supportive housing and other resources in the homeless assistance system.
On October 8, SHVS hosted a webinar, introducing a new issue brief and toolkit for states and featuring presentations by a panel of experts from a state Medicaid agency, a Medicaid managed care plan, and a Medicaid provider – all working to link Medicaid services with housing to improve care for homeless Medicaid beneficiaries.
Expert panelists:
• Carol Wilkins, consultant and author of issue brief
• Hannah Katch, California Department of Health Care Services
• Catherine Anderson, United Healthcare
• Julie Grothe, Guild Incorporated
In the absence of federal legislation, states are actively seeking tools to reform their health care systems. While 1115 waivers rightly get a lot of attention, because of their ability to reshape state Medicaid programs, the Affordable Care Act’s Section 1332 waivers continue to be a promising avenue for states to stabilize their health insurance marketplace. SHVS is tracking state activity and has many resources, including a template, for states interested in pursuing a Section 1332 waiver.
On October 4, the President issued a proclamation that requires immigrants to show that they have health insurance or can pay medical expenses out of pocket in order to receive a visa. The proclamation will impact individuals applying for a visa with the Department of State (DOS) through consular offices abroad. In this expert perspective, Manatt Health reviews this latest policy regarding uninsured noncitizens and provides their take on implications for states.
In recent months, states have increasingly introduced proposals for individuals above Medicaid eligibility levels to “buy-in” to Medicaid or leverage the Medicaid program to strengthen coverage across the individual market and Medicaid. State Health and Value Strategies is tracking current state activity and has mapped out which states are pursuing a program and those that are establishing task forces to understand the impact of a Medicaid buy-in program.
