MRT Affordable Housing Funds Many Diverse Initiatives
Updates on the progress of funded projects and initiatives, as well as discussion of next years’ budget were discussed during the Mon., March 9 Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) Affordable Housing Workgroup meeting in Albany. Many of the funded projects, which provide funding for housing and supports for a variety of populations, show promise. The Department of Health (DOH) hopes to have data available within the next few months so that a further analysis can be done on the effectiveness of the interventions. We are pleased to report on several initiatives that are likely to be of interest to members. It is important to note that all of the funding levels are based on the Governor’s proposed budget allocation, and could change depending on the final budget negotiations currently underway.
The Senior Supportive Housing Pilot project is currently underway, as last year’s projects are now in the implementation phase. The program supports capital and supportive services to enable low-income seniors living in congregate settings to remain in the community. We are pleased to report that the initiative is receiving an increase in funding, with $5.5 million allocated for 2015-16, and another $5.5 million for 2016-2017.
Several projects that are of interest are still in the development phase, such as the Special Needs Assisted Living Program Pilot Project. Through a Request for Proposals (RFP), funding would create a pilot to develop a new program for special populations that are high cost Medicaid members who currently lack assisted living settings tailored to their needs. For example, there are limited assisted living options for Medicaid-eligible individuals with dementia. This is funded at $2 million for the 2015-16 budget year, and the same for the following year. A request for proposals is in development.
The Nursing Home to Independent Living Rapid Transition is a new initiative, still in development, funded at $4 million for 2015-2016, and the same for the following year. This supports rent and service subsidies to offer individuals with mobility impairments or other physical disabilities as a means to be quickly transitioned to community living.
The Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) waiver program housing subsidy will receive $5 million in support for this year and next year. It should be noted that people can continue to access the waiver and the housing subsidy until the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) give approval to the State to “shut the front door” of the program as it is transitioned into Managed Long Term Care (MLTC). It was also indicated that there was a commitment to maintain subsidies for those already accessing the program, even when transitioning into MLTC, to ensure that they do not lose their housing.
The Health Homes Supportive Housing Pilot is funded at $4 million for 2015-16, and the same for the following year. This funding supports rent and service subsidies to supportive housing providers to house and serve unstably housed high-cost Medicaid recipients who are referred from Health Homes. Awards have been made in all Health Home regions of the State, and contracts will be awarded soon.
A new program, the Olmstead Housing Subsidy Program, is funded at $5 million in 2015-2016, and the same for the following year. The intent of this program is to provide rental subsidies to eligible participants enrolled in MLTC or the Fully Integrated Duals Advantage (FIDA) program. It is also for individuals transitioning out of nursing homes or being diverted from nursing home placement.
The group also discussed some new concepts, including the idea of a rental subsidy program related to the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) program and Social Impact Bonds. These ideas will be explored further during the course of the year, and LeadingAge New York will participate.
DOH issued a request for proposals, entitled Medicaid Redesign Team Supportive Housing Evaluation Project, to evaluate the effectiveness of these projects, which can be viewed here. Questions about the RFP are due Fri., March 13, and proposals are due by Fri., April 24, 2015.
LeadingAge NY and members are appointed to MRT Affordable Housing Workgroup, and continue to bring the needs of seniors and people with long term care needs to the table. We are pleased to see so many initiatives that could benefit our members and the people they serve.
Contact: Diane Darbyshrie, ddarbyshire@leadingagey.org, 518.867.8828