Medicaid funds for homeless housing?

In larger cities and in several states, including Massachusetts, Medicaid funds are being used to help the chronically homeless find and maintain permanent housing. Historically, Medicaid dollars have been used solely for clinical services and medications.

According to the latest report released from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), while the overall number of homeless in the U.S. has dropped by 2 percent in the past year, it increased in 17 states, including New Hampshire, where the number of homeless rose by 5%.

Supporters of this strategy argue that living on the streets increases the chance of exposure to severe weather or violence and issues related to addiction and untreated health conditions. They maintain that moving the homeless into stable housing situations as soon as possible helps them lead healthier and more stable lives, ultimately saving on overall costs.

On the other hand, opponents argue the funds cannot be effectively used due to an inadequate number of supportive housing programs. They also express concern that spending funds on housing may cause other areas of need to go unmet.