Health care or housing? More states are using Medicaid funds to help the homeless
Fox News
Medicaid is intended to offer government assistance to low-income earners for health expenses — but in at least 20 states, some funds go to social services, including housing for the homeless.
While some tout the move as a means of alleviating the health conditions that can arise from poor living conditions, others say the funding will not solve the underlying problems. "States have broad flexibility in their Medicaid programs to create a program that is unique." California's non-traditional medical services are officially called "in lieu of services." "The vast majority of health variations are driven by factors completely unrelated to health care." "It doesn't solve the underlying problems of chronic mental health issues, excess drug use and the spread of infectious disease." Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.
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