Resolve, To Increase Access to Housing-related Support Services

Sec. 1. Department of Health and Human Services to examine housing-related services available under a Medicaid waiver. Resolved: That the Department of Health and Human Services shall examine opportunities available pursuant to a home and community-based services waiver available from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, including but not limited to a Medicaid 1915(i) state plan amendment, to provide housing-related services to persons experiencing chronic homelessness who have mental health or substance use disorders and other vulnerable populations, including, but not limited to, individuals with disabilities and older adults needing long-term services. For purposes of this section, "housing-related services" means assistance in securing housing and tenancy sustaining and community transition services.

Sec. 2. Collaboration with Maine State Housing Authority; stakeholder involvement. Resolved: That the Department of Health and Human Services shall collaborate with the Maine State Housing Authority to determine how existing Maine State Housing Authority resources may be leveraged more effectively to address the housing needs of persons experiencing chronic homelessness who have mental health or substance use disorders and other vulnerable populations, including, but not limited to, individuals with disabilities and older adults needing long-term services.

In performing the review under this section, the department shall examine relevant data and evidence-based practices and solicit input from stakeholders, including those providing housing-related services to persons experiencing chronic homelessness who have mental health or substance use disorders and other vulnerable populations, including, but not limited to, individuals with disabilities and older adults needing long-term service; advocates for persons experiencing homelessness or for other vulnerable populations; and other stakeholders who provide legal, health or other social services to persons experiencing homelessness or to other vulnerable populations.

Sec. 3. Report. Resolved: That no later than February 1, 2020 the Department of Health and Human Services shall submit a report and recommendations developed pursuant to this resolve, including any suggested legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services. The committee may report out a bill to implement the recommendations if necessary.