$95 Million Initiative: New Jersey’s Healthy Homes Program Aims to Improve Health Outcomes for Medicaid Recipients

New Jersey’s Healthy Homes Program, with $95 million in funding.

New Jersey’s Healthy Homes Program Aims to Improve Health Outcomes by Providing Affordable Housing for Medicaid Recipients

New Jersey has launched the Healthy Homes Program with $95 million in state funding to build and renovate affordable housing for Medicaid recipients. This initiative led by the Department of Human Services (DHS), aims to offer safe and stable homes to the state’s most vulnerable residents. DHS Commissioner Sarah Adelman notes that a recent study found more than half of Medicaid recipients live in poor or unaffordable housing which affects their health.

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(photo: Morristown Minute)

Improving Health and Living Conditions through Affordable Housing

The program is designed to improve living conditions and health by ensuring long-term housing stability. Developers can apply for funding to start new construction, renovate existing homes, or upgrade appliances and furniture. This approach is meant to meet both immediate and long-term needs helping residents live more comfortably and healthily.

The program might also help reduce healthcare costs. Adelman points to a study in New Jersey that showed a 25% drop in emergency room spending for Medicaid members who had stable supportive housing. With a target of building up to 200 affordable units and the Healthy Homes Program shows New Jersey’s dedication to improving health equity and finding lasting solutions for its most at-risk communities, according to the report of Audacy.

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