Colorado Lawmakers Move Legislation Forward to Help Families Access Nutrition and Housing Services

The Colorado state legislature has taken steps to expand access to housing and nutritious foods for those on Medicaid with the passage of Bill HB24-1322 by the House Health and Human Services Committee.

This legislation will help eligible families secure affordable and safe housing and have access to better nutrition. In this article, we take a closer look at the provisions of the bill and the impact they could have on Colorado's neediest communities.


1. Utilizing Medicaid Funds to Address Social Determinants of Health

The HB24-1322 bill aims to direct federal Medicaid funds to affordable housing and nutrition support services. Specifically, the bill proposes a feasibility study to determine how Medicaid can fund critical nutrition-based services, including medically-tailored meals and pantry stocking.

It also proposes using Medicaid funds to help with temporary housing, rent, utility assistance, eviction prevention, and tenant support.

This directs resources towards addressing health-related social needs and promoting better health outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries.


2. Supporting Vulnerable Populations

HB24-1322 can benefit vulnerable populations, such as youth transitioning out of foster care, by providing them with access to nutritious food. Homelessness can lead to malnutrition and health problems that can have long-term effects.

Through the bill, supplemental housing support will be available to families who face steep costs to secure stable housing.

This proposal provides an opportunity for vulnerable groups to access these critical services, empowering them to achieve better health outcomes.


3. Cost-Neutral Approach to Accessing Medicaid Funding

The HB24-1322 bill requires the state to pursue a 1115 waiver to access Medicaid funding for nutrition and housing support services.

This waiver would enable Colorado to receive a federal match and provides Medicaid programs with greater flexibility to meet the specific needs of Coloradans.

Additionally, the HB24-1322 proposal uses existing Medicaid funds, making the bill cost-neutral.


Conclusion

By providing additional funding for affordable housing and nutritious foods, the HB24-1322 proposal has the potential to improve health outcomes for Colorado’s most vulnerable populations.

This legislation demonstrates the importance of addressing the social determinants of health by providing resources to support access to quality health care, safe and affordable housing, and nutritious foods.

Additionally, this bill can improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare spending associated with malnutrition and housing instability. If adopted, Colorado could become the latest state to leverage Medicaid funding to address pressing social determinants of health issues affecting millions of Americans.