SB724: Bill Text

LRB-4787/1

JPC:skw

2023 - 2024 LEGISLATURE

2023 Senate BILL 724

November 21, 2023 - Introduced by Senators Roys, L. Johnson, Larson, Agard and Hesselbein, cosponsored by Representatives Palmeri, Bare, Clancy, Madison, Ratcliff, Snodgrass, Shelton, Drake, Stubbs, Sinicki, Baldeh, Cabrera, J. Anderson, Subeck, Ortiz-Velez, Ohnstad, Jacobson, Considine and Emerson. Referred to Committee on Housing, Rural Issues and Forestry.

SB724,1,3 An Act to create 49.45 (62) and 49.46 (2) (b) 24. of the statutes; relating to: reimbursement of services to find and sustain housing under the Medical Assistance program.

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

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.

For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:

SB724,1 Section 1. 49.45 (62) of the statutes is created to read:

SB724,2,12 49.45 (62) Housing assistance. (a) The department shall 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 permit the department to reimburse certified providers for services to help Medical Assistance recipients find and sustain housing under the Medical Assistance program under this subchapter. If a waiver of federal law, state plan amendment, or other federal approval under this paragraph is granted, the department shall reimburse certified providers for services to help Medical Assistance recipients find and sustain housing pursuant to this paragraph and state and federal law and regulations. Assistance to find and sustain housing may include any of the following services as permitted under this paragraph:

SB724,2,13 1. Financing for utility deposits, payments, or arrears.

SB724,2,14 2. Payment of security deposits and first month's rent.

SB724,2,15 3. Onetime transition and moving costs.

SB724,2,16 4. Short-term post hospitalization housing.

SB724,2,18 5. Education and training on the role, rights, and responsibilities of a tenant and landlord.

SB724,2,20 6. Early detection and intervention for behaviors that may jeopardize housing, such as late rental payments and lease violations.

SB724,2,21 7. Assistance with the housing recertification process.

SB724,3,3 8. Coordination with services and service providers for primary care, substance use disorder treatment, mental health providers, and vocational and employment support.

SB724,3,7 (b) If the federal department of health and human services does not approve a waiver of federal law, state plan amendment, or other federal approval under par. (a), the department may not reimburse certified providers for services to help Medical Assistance recipients find and sustain housing under this subsection.

SB724,2 Section 2. 49.46 (2) (b) 24. of the statutes is created to read:

SB724,3,9 49.46 (2) (b) 24. Subject to s. 49.45 (62), assistance to find and sustain housing.

SB724,3,10 (End)