SB 724

This bill directs the Department of Health Services to request from the

secretary of the federal Department of Health and Human Services any waiver of

federal law, state plan amendment, or other federal approval necessary to allow DHS

to reimburse certified providers for services to help recipients of Medical Assistance

find and sustain housing. Under the bill, assistance to find and sustain housing may

include, among other things, financing for utility deposits, payments, or arrears;

payment of security deposits and first month's rent; onetime transition and moving

costs; early detection and intervention for behaviors that may jeopardize housing,

such as late rental payments and lease violations; and assistance with the housing

recertification process. If the federal Department of Health and Human Services

does not approve a waiver of federal law, state plan amendment, or other federal

approval as provided in the bill, DHS is not allowed to reimburse certified providers

for services to help recipients find and sustain housing under the bill. The Medical

Assistance program is a joint federal and state program that provides health services

to individuals who have limited financial resources.