Upside

Health plans hold the key to unlocking better outcomes through stable housing—fewer missed appointments, improved chronic disease management, and increased employment opportunities. Housing isn’t just a foundation for living; it’s a strategic pillar of comprehensive care. Let’s work together to transform housing stability into a powerful driver of member health and success.

Medicaid is stepping up to address homelessness through housing-related services. What’s new: States are using 1115 waivers to align Medicaid with housing support. Partnerships between Medicaid, HUD, and local agencies connect beneficiaries with stable housing and services. These collaborations make housing a foundation for better health outcomes. Healthcare and housing are converging to tackle homelessness—because stability starts at home.

A roof is a solid start—but SNAP, SSI, and Veterans Benefits are what help 57% of our members truly thrive. These extras aren’t just perks; they’re the foundation for long-term stability.

Housing stability is now a game-changer in Medicare Advantage, with new measures like the Health Equity Index (HEI) and Social Needs Screening (SNS-E) recognizing that where people live directly affects their health. These tools push plans to address critical issues like housing insecurity, food access, and transportation. It’s about more than policy—it’s about ensuring people feel secure, supported, and empowered to live healthier lives. https://lnkd.in/eQvm8rcD

As we approach the final stretch of 2024, progress on addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) is gaining momentum. With CMS’s new SDOH reporting requirements now in effect, organizations are stepping up to align workflows and better support community needs. Early adopters of these practices have shown that proactive engagement can make a meaningful difference. There’s still time to close the year strong—November and December offer a chance to refine processes, gather insights, and set the stage for even greater impact in 2025. https://lnkd.in/espWR9JK

Are we ready to let AI assist in uncovering personal needs like housing stability? Big tech is investing heavily, but at Upside, we know members respond best when they feel seen and heard. Can AI enhance that connection—or risk replacing the human touch? https://lnkd.in/gP8JwuZZ

Our Housing Navigation Support Services (HNSS) are about more than just getting people into homes—we’re committed to ensuring long-term stability and well-being. Even for members we’re not formally stabilizing or housing, we provide crucial assistance that transforms lives, including: Housing application preparation Market education (understanding price floors) Sourcing furniture and necessities Ongoing post-move-in support to ensure success From Section 8 Housing Vouchers to SSI and Meals on Wheels, our advocacy doesn't stop at securing a home. We help navigate complex systems, tackle barriers, and empower members with resources like landlord agreements, security deposits, and shelter accessibility. At the end of the day, it’s about building relationships that last beyond the move—and ensuring every person can thrive in their environment.

Housing is never a one-size-fits-all solution. You know this because every member has unique needs: They’re in different stages of life. They face different challenges. And they have different priorities. Your members are seeking versatile, flexible housing—not just a place to live, but a place to thrive. So the question is: How will you intervene when they need help?

The intersection of housing and public health is critical in combating homelessness. Here are five proven strategies: 1️⃣ Leverage Medicaid to fund housing-related services. 2️⃣ Promote cross-agency collaboration for a unified response. 3️⃣ Build data-sharing systems to track progress. 4️⃣ Empower local public health leaders with resources. 5️⃣ Create flexible funding streams for lasting impact. By aligning housing with health policies, we can create lasting change—improving well-being for vulnerable populations and entire communities. https://lnkd.in/eDjNfXXX

Imagine a housing stability program that's 3x more effective than typical initiatives. That's Upside. We’re not just placing people in homes; we’re transforming lives. 🏠 Our secret? A focus on real stability. We help those who are ready to take that next step but need a guiding hand to secure housing. It’s about creating sustainable change, not just quick fixes. With our support, individuals find not only a roof over their heads but a foundation for a better future. Because when you stabilize housing, you stabilize lives.