Medicaid is emerging as a big player in housing, but success depends on new partnerships

In recognition of expanding evidence on the impact of housing on health outcomes, the Biden administration has recently opened two new major opportunities to use Medicaid dollars for housing supports, bringing significant new resources to bear on state and local efforts to support those facing housing insecurity. Several states already have launched bold new initiatives in this space (with more to come), blurring long-held silos between health and social care.

But even with a supportive administration, state leadership, and a national focus on housing needs and supply, it will take significant collaboration between health and housing partners to ensure that Medicaid supports successfully reinforce broader efforts to address unmet housing needs. As always, the proof will be in implementation.

This article highlights a handful of key opportunities for on-the-ground partners to align across housing- and health-related activities, noting examples of progress that could be applied in other communities.