The state of Colorado is considering the utilization of Medicaid, a type of government-funded health insurance, for expenses not directly related to healthcare. This move would put Colorado in line with other states that have implemented similar measures.
Colorado is one of the many states seeking a waiver that the Biden administration has started approving. These waivers permit the use of Medicaid dollars for housing and nutrition assistance.
Jake Williams, the CEO of Healthier Colorado, emphasizes the significant impact of your location and dietary choices on your overall health.
Williams emphasized that while having health insurance is crucial, it is not the only factor that affects our overall well-being. Our lifestyle choices outside of medical settings, such as having a secure and reasonably priced place to live and access to nutritious food, play a significant role in determining whether we experience positive or negative health outcomes.
By granting the waiver, organizations such as Project Angel Heart can receive additional funding to continue their invaluable work. The nonprofit, which relies on the efforts of roughly 300 volunteers, provides over 770,000 meals to nearly 5,000 Coloradans struggling with chronic health issues every week.
Nic Soucy, Government Affairs Director for Project Angel Heart, emphasized the significance of nutrition in the lives of their clients who are diagnosed with cancer, heart failure, and COPD.
According to her, dieticians craft each meal to meet the specific needs of the clients. These meals are then expertly prepared, packaged, and delivered at no cost, thanks to generous donations. Not only does this program help clients save money, but it also has a positive impact on the healthcare system. Studies have proven that providing people with medically tailored meals can reduce hospital re-admissions and save millions of dollars in the process.
State Sen. Robert Rodriguez, State Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer, State Rep. Kyle Brown, and State Rep. Shannon Bird have sponsored a new law that aims to provide access to healthy meals and housing to a larger population. The law directs the Colorado Office of Healthcare Policy and Financing to apply for a waiver that expands Medicaid coverage to include nutrition and housing assistance. As part of this effort, the Department will conduct a thorough study to determine the specific types of housing assistance that Medicaid will cover.
It’s possible that Colorado could be the next state to receive a waiver, joining the almost 20 states that have already been granted one.
According to Soucy, Project Angel Heart would have the opportunity to assist a greater number of people in Colorado if this initiative were to be implemented.