Medicaid: Housing Support Services Medicaid Benefit

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) introduces an innovative housing support services Medicaid benefit dedicated to assisting Wisconsin Medicaid members experiencing housing insecurity and grappling with substance use or mental health challenges. This benefit, starting February 1, 2025, positions Wisconsin as one of the first states in the nation to reimburse supportive housing agencies for serving Medicaid members with supportive housing services. DHS was instructed to create this benefit by 2019 Wisconsin Act 76.

Who may be eligible?

• Medicaid enrollment: Must be a current Wisconsin Medicaid recipient.
• Age: Applicants should be 18 years or older.
• Housing status: Meet the criteria for any of the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) four categories under 42 U.S.C. 11302. of homelessness including:
  • Category 1: Literally Homeless
  • Category 2: Imminent Risk of Homelessness
  • Category 3: Homeless under Other Federal Statutes
  • Category 4: Fleeing/Attempting to Flee Domestic Violence
• Health-related needs: Must have at least one health-related issue, substance use, or a mental health condition.
• Income restrictions: Must fall within 150% of the federal poverty level.
• Daily living assistance: Need assistance with at least two instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) due to homelessness, substance use, or mental health needs. Examples include managing finances, managing behavioral health symptoms, managing substance use related needs, coordinating health care needs or services.

What services are available to eligible individuals?

Those eligible will be able to access the following supportive housing services:

• Housing consultations that will prepare individuals by developing a housing support plan
• Transition supports that help individuals prepare for and make the move to new housing
• Relocation supports that provide financial support to help individuals move from temporary living spaces to their own housing
• Sustaining supports that assist individuals with keeping their housing, after they move

Who is providing the service?

Enrolled Medicaid providers within the Continuum of Care network and Wisconsin Tribal nations, will deliver these essential services, with an anticipated enrollment of around 400 members in the first year.

Other resources

You have the right to appeal a decision made about your benefits. You can get the Request for Fair Hearing form online.

Questions

Please email questions to DHSDMSHousing@dhs.wisconsin.gov.