TL/DR –
The Biden administration has started approving waivers for Medicaid dollars to be used for nutrition and housing assistance, with Colorado looking to follow suit. A new law sponsored by state senators Robert Rodriguez and Barb Kirkmeyer, and state representatives Kyle Brown and Shannon Bird, could enable more people to access healthy meals and housing, as it instructs the Colorado Office of Healthcare Policy and Financing to apply for a Medicaid waiver for nutrition and housing assistance. Beneficiaries of the waiver could include organizations like Project Angel Heart, which delivers over 770,000 medically tailored meals per week to Coloradans with chronic health problems, a service that has been found to save millions of dollars in reduced hospital re-admissions.
Colorado Plans to Use Medicaid for Non-Health Care Expenses
Colorado might soon be using Medicaid for costs not directly related to health care, joining the growing list of states seeking a waiver for this purpose. The Biden administration has recently started approving such waivers to allow Medicaid funds to be used for nutrition and housing assistance.
Impact of Environment and Nutrition on Health
Jake Williams, CEO of Healthier Colorado, emphasizes the vital role of living conditions and nutrition in health outcomes. He believes that while access to health insurance is crucial, many other factors outside the doctor’s office, such as a safe and affordable housing and healthy food, significantly influence our health.
Organizations Like Project Angel Heart to Benefit
Should the waiver be granted, organizations like Project Angel Heart could receive more funding. This nonprofit, with the help of around 300 volunteers, prepares and delivers over 770,000 meals weekly for nearly 5,000 Coloradans with chronic health conditions. Their meals, which are medically tailored to each recipient’s needs, help not just the clients but also save the health care system millions by reducing hospital readmissions.
New Law Might Expand Access to Healthy Meals and Housing Assistance
A new law, sponsored by state Senators Robert Rodriguez, Barb Kirkmeyer and Representatives Kyle Brown and Shannon Bird, could further increase access to healthy meals and housing. This law instructs the Colorado Office of Healthcare Policy and Financing to apply for a waiver to use Medicaid for nutrition and housing assistance. The Department will conduct a study to outline the type of housing aid Medicaid can cover.
Approaching Federal Aid and State Contributions
According to Brown, this initiative not only helps draw additional federal dollars but also enables the state to use existing funds as a match. This dual approach could amplify the impact of the state’s efforts.
Colorado Could Join Other States in Receiving a Waiver
Colorado could join nearly 20 states that have already received a waiver as early as next year. Nic Soucy, the Government Affairs Director for Project Angel Heart, believes this could help the organization reach more Coloradans in need. She concludes, “This will help people stay out of the hospital, remain at home, and save taxpayers’ money.”
—
Read More Health & Wellness News ; US News