The Intersection of Housing and Health

Social factors, such as access to stable housing, sources of adequate nutrition, and environments free from violence, significantly influence health and well-being. In this new episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange, public officials from Wisconsin and Arizona share how their state’s Medicaid programs are partnering with the housing sector to tackle the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. The conversation explores how these two states are using innovative program and policy mechanisms to develop solutions like rental assistance, housing consultation, and other support services that address the housing needs of Medicaid members, and ultimately their health.

This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange features Amy Pulda, Homelessness Services Manager, Wisconsin Department of Health Services; Elizabeth Da Costa, Director of Housing, Arizona Medicaid Agency; and Mark Larson, Senior Vice President, Leadership and Capacity Building, Center for Health Care Strategies. It is hosted by Gretchen Hammer, MPH, Principal, Public Leadership Group and Consultant, National Association of Medicaid Directors.

State leaders across health, human services, and other agencies — including Medicaid, early childhood, public health, child welfare, among others — are uniquely positioned to develop programs and services that support the health and well-being of people in their state. Despite the shared goal of helping individuals and communities to thrive, however, agencies often operate in siloes or in misaligned ways that create challenges for the people they serve.

The Aligning State Systems for Improved Health and Well-Being Outcomes framework can serve as a practical guide for state leaders looking to better align state systems and improve health and well-being outcomes.