Dane County Executive Melissa Agard Applauds Wisconsin's Innovative Medicaid Housing Program as a “Game-Changer”

December 12, 2024
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive

MADISON – Today, Dane County Executive Melissa Agard celebrated Wisconsin’s groundbreaking initiative to address housing insecurity through Medicaid, starting February 1, 2025. This new Medicaid Housing Benefit will provide housing support services to Medicaid members experiencing housing instability and affected by substance use or mental health conditions. Wisconsin is among the first states in the nation to leverage Medicaid funding for housing solutions to improve health outcomes.

 

“Stable housing is a fundamental component of achieving positive health outcomes, and this new initiative is a game-changer,” said County Executive Agard. “In Dane County, we’ve long recognized the intersection of housing, health, and well-being. By addressing housing insecurity, this program tackles one of the most significant social determinants of health, ensuring our community members have the foundation they need to recover, thrive, and contribute.”

 

The Medicaid Housing Benefit aligns with Dane County’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness and provide comprehensive support to individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. The program will fund critical services, including housing searches, landlord negotiations, and tenancy support, which are designed to promote long-term stability and reduce costly emergency interventions.

 

Agard emphasized that the program complements Dane County’s broader commitment to equitable access to housing and healthcare. “This initiative reflects our values as a community. It ensures that those who need help the most are not left behind, and it demonstrates the power of innovative policymaking to create meaningful change.”

 

“Dane County looks forward to collaborating with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and local partners to implement this program and ensure it benefits the residents who need it most.”

 

You can read more about the program on the Department of Health Services’ website HERE.