Medicaid-Funded Housing Pilot Supports Whole-Person Care

Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco have published their findings evaluating California’s Medicaid housing support pilot program, part of the state’s CalAIM initiative. This program offers a range of housing services, including navigation support, security deposit assistance, and landlord outreach—to Medicaid beneficiaries with complex health and social needs. The study, published in JAMA, found that these services helped many participants move closer to housing stability and offered valuable insights into how Medicaid can play a stronger role in addressing housing as a social determinant of health.

The evaluation showed that most participants received at least one type of housing-related service, and those who received a combination of supports, such as both navigation and move-in assistance, experienced greater progress toward securing stable housing. The pilot also demonstrated that providing housing services through Medicaid is not only feasible but can fill critical gaps for people who are often overlooked in traditional housing systems, including individuals with behavioral health conditions.

Key lessons from the pilot highlight the importance of flexible, person-centered service delivery and the need for strong coordination between health and housing sectors. The program was most effective when case managers had smaller caseloads and could tailor services to participants’ unique needs. Additionally, streamlined referrals, sustained funding, and investments in the housing support workforce were identified as crucial to long-term success.

This study reinforces that Medicaid-funded housing supports can be a powerful tool to improve health and stability for individuals with high needs, particularly those with behavioral health challenges. The findings suggest that to maximize impact, states should design programs with flexible service models, strong cross-sector partnerships, and an ongoing focus on housing access as essential to whole-person care. As more states explore Medicaid housing interventions, California’s experience offers a strong roadmap for how to do it effectively.