The Housing Support Program is a vital set of services designed to ensure that Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare members have access to safe, healthy, and affordable housing. This program focuses on supporting Medicaid’s most vulnerable members, particularly those with complex medical or behavioral health needs, who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Purpose & Principles
Housing plays a crucial role in determining health and quality of life, especially for racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and other at-risk populations. As one of the main social determinants of health, poor or unstable housing can create significant barriers to well-being, contributing to higher healthcare costs.
In 2015, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) began allowing states to include housing-related services within their Medicaid programs. Seizing this opportunity, the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS) included Housing Support services in its 1115 waiver renewal. This integration allows Medicaid beneficiaries to receive necessary support in securing stable housing, which in turn promotes better health outcomes and greater stability.
For many Medicaid recipients, the lack of affordable and suitable housing continues to be a major obstacle to health and security. Without stable housing, individuals are at a higher risk of avoidable hospitalizations, institutionalization, worsened chronic conditions, and challenges in achieving personal and professional goals.
Program Goals
The DMAHS has established two core objectives for the Housing Support Program:
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Access to Housing Support
Provide services to help homeless and housing-insecure individuals secure and maintain stable housing, leading to improved overall health. -
Integration of Housing and Healthcare
Strengthen collaboration between housing and healthcare services by integrating care coordination, Managed Care Organization (MCO) support, and Medicaid funding into the housing system.