Resolve, To Increase Access to Housing-related Support Services

Sec. 1. Department of Health and Human Services to submit waiver. Resolved: That the Department of Health and Human Services shall submit a request to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services no later than October 1, 2019 for approval to amend the 1915(b) waiver, rule Chapter 101: MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Section 19, to cover housing-related services, including housing transition and tenancy sustaining services, to individuals with disabilities, older adults needing long-term services and supports and persons experiencing chronic homelessness.

Sec. 2. Department of Health and Human Services to submit waiver. Resolved: That the Department of Health and Human Services shall submit a request to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services no later than October 1, 2019 for approval to amend the 1915(c) waiver, rule Chapter 101: MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Section 19, to provide housing-related services, including housing transition and tenancy sustaining services, to individuals with disabilities, older adults needing long-term services and supports and persons experiencing chronic homelessness.

Sec. 3. Department of Health and Human Services to implement waiver. Resolved: That, upon approval of the waiver amendments under sections 1 and 2 from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Department of Health and Human Services shall amend the department's rule in Chapter 101: MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Section 19 to implement the waivers. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.

Sec. 4. Title XIX waivers and state plan amendments; collaboration with Maine State Housing Authority; stakeholder group. Resolved: That the Department of Health and Human Services shall review any waivers or state plan amendments available under Title XIX of the United States Social Security Act to stabilize access to safe and affordable housing for individuals with disabilities, older adults, individuals needing long-term services and supports and persons experiencing chronic homelessness through the provision of housing transition, tenancy sustainment and case management services. The department shall collaborate with the Maine State Housing Authority to determine how existing Maine State Housing Authority resources may be leveraged more effectively to address housing needs under this section.

In performing the review under this section, the department shall examine relevant data and evidence-based practices and convene a stakeholder group to solicit input regarding methods to improve health outcomes through greater housing stability for individuals with disabilities, older adults, individuals needing long-term services and supports and persons experiencing chronic homelessness.

SUMMARY

This resolve directs the Department of Health and Human Services to apply for waivers to provide housing-related services, including housing transition and tenancy sustaining services, to individuals with disabilities, older adults needing long-term services and supports and persons experiencing chronic homelessness under the 1915(b) and 1915(c) Medicaid waiver provisions. It also directs the department to amend MaineCare rules to implement the waivers once approved. These allowable benefits are set forth in the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services Informational Bulletin dated June 26, 2015 on Coverage of Housing-Related Activities and Services for Individuals with Disabilities.

The resolve also directs the department to review any waivers or state plan amendments available under Title XIX of the United States Social Security Act to stabilize access to safe and affordable housing for individuals with disabilities, older adults, individuals needing long-term services and supports and persons experiencing chronic homelessness through the provision of housing transition, tenancy sustainment and case management services and to collaborate with the Maine State Housing Authority to determine how resources may be leveraged more effectively to address housing needs. As part of its review, the department is required to convene a stakeholder group to solicit input regarding methods to improve health outcomes through greater housing stability.