(TNS) — Pennsylvania wants to make changes to its Medicaid programs that would bring groceries to the door of an expecting parent in need or help a formerly incarcerated person access health care coverage and case management so they can successfully reenter their communities.
It’s all part of a draft plan that, if approved by the federal government, would allow the state to use its Medicaid program to create targeted services, called “Keystones of Health,” for certain Pennsylvanians. The focus areas include food and nutrition, reentry, housing, and continuous coverage for children under age six.
But first, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services wants to hear feedback on its proposal during a public comment period, which closes Jan. 2. The department says the interventions would be “lifesaving and cost saving.”
“This is an opportunity to increase federal investment in the Commonwealth to expand options available through the Medicaid program that can more holistically support a person or family’s health, stability, and success,” DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh said in a statement. “Listening to the public and collecting feedback is a vital part of this federal application process, and I look forward to hearing thoughts from our partners and people with lived experience as we seek to build more flexibility to help Pennsylvanians live healthy, productive lives.”
Addressing social needs such as food insecurity has been shown to cut hospital admissions by half for individuals with chronic conditions. For people experiencing homelessness, who struggle with chronic health problems that can be made worse by lack of consistent care and medication access, stable housing can lead to a nearly 30% reduction in hospital stays. Keystones of Health would help unhoused Medicaid recipients facing behavioral health issues and chronic conditions find, and stay in, a safe and stable place to live. They might receive short-term help paying rent or assistance with moving expenses and necessary household items.
People leaving correctional facilities also face a significantly higher risk of health challenges, including mental health issues and substance use disorders. The proposed reentry support aims to lower these risks by helping them apply for Medicaid benefits and suspending existing coverage during incarceration rather than terminating it. DHS would also help reentering individuals connect with health care providers, temporary supplies of medication and Medication Assisted Treatment for substance use disorder.
Medicaid populations experiencing food insecurity, including those who are pregnant and have diet-sensitive conditions, would also benefit from the Keystones of Health’s services. These groups would be able to receive medically-tailored meals or groceries with the goal of securing long-term food assistance, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
And after a push from Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children and other advocates, DHS’ proposal includes continuous eligibility for kids that would secure uninterrupted insurance coverage through age six. This means children wouldn’t lose their benefits for failing to submit forms or changes in their household circumstances, making it easier for them to access health care services critical to their long-term development.
“The 1115 waiver is an opportunity for the Shapiro Administration to leverage federal resources and provide additional tools in our toolbox that can improve the health and quality of life for certain vulnerable groups covered by Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program,” Arkoosh said.
