Maryland Medical Assistance Program - Supportive Housing and Health Services
SB 367 would require the Maryland Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid) to cover “supportive housing and health services” for eligible recipients beginning July 1, 2026, subject to federal approval and state budget limits. The bill defines the covered services broadly to include long-term housing assistance, community transition costs, home accessibility modifications, housing and tenancy supports, and wraparound supportive services such as case management, health care, behavioral support, and employment services. It is aimed at individuals and families experiencing homelessness, chronic homelessness, housing instability, and related health or behavioral health challenges.
The bill also creates a new certification framework for “certified supportive housing and health services professionals.” The Maryland Department of Health would have to approve at least one training and certification program by January 1, 2026, with minimum training and continuing education requirements, and entities employing or contracting with these professionals would need to document certification and ensure compliance with applicable standards. The Department must also establish a stakeholder advisory committee to help develop regulations and procedures, and it must apply to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a waiver by October 1, 2025. If the waiver is not approved, the bill’s substantive provisions become void.
SB 367 would amend the Health-General Article to add a new Medicaid benefit category for supportive housing and health services and to establish related definitions, provider standards, and administrative requirements. It would place new duties on the Maryland Department of Health to seek federal waiver approval, promulgate regulations, convene stakeholders, and oversee certification of professionals and compliance by providers. The bill would affect Medicaid recipients who are homeless or housing insecure, as well as organizations and professionals that provide housing-related supportive services.
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of floor or committee sentiment in the supplied materials. Based on the bill text, the measure is framed positively and purposefully, emphasizing housing stability, health improvement, and support for people with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The overall tone suggests a policy goal of expanding services rather than restricting them.
The main points of potential contention are the fiscal and administrative implications of adding a new Medicaid-covered service, the need for federal waiver approval, and whether the state budget can support the benefit. Another likely issue is the creation of a new certification and training structure, which may raise questions about workforce capacity, regulatory burden, and whether the bill could affect existing professional scopes of practice. The bill expressly states it does not alter scope of practice, which appears intended to address that concern.