GenIC #60 (New): SUPPORT Act Survey of Housing-Related Supports and Services Under Medicaid to Individuals with Substance Use Disorders

[MONTH] [DAY], 2020

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. [State Medicaid Director last name]:

I am writing today to request [state name]’s participation in a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sponsored needs assessment on housing-related supports and services for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). Section 1018 of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act) authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide technical assistance and support to states regarding the development and expansion of innovative state strategies to provide housing-related supports and services and care coordination services under Medicaid to individuals with substance use disorders. The purpose of this needs assessment is to identify related technical assistance needs of states to support the activities and requirements of section 1018 of the SUPPORT Act.

Mathematica and the Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC) have been contracted by CMS to conduct this needs assessment and the related technical assistance. The survey responses will support states with identifying and addressing specific technical assistance needs; inform the development and implementation of section 1018 activities including a state learning collaborative; and identify additional technical assistance and support activities that CMS can implement to address state needs.

This survey will collect information on [state name]’s current activities around providing housing-related supports and services to individuals with SUD under Medicaid. The survey also assesses areas of need for technical assistance. CMS recognizes that some states may be beginning to explore pathways under Medicaid to provide housing-related supports to individuals with SUD, while other states may be actively implementing innovative strategies and programs. Regardless of the current level of your state’s engagement, the survey is an important opportunity for you to highlight any achievements, identify gaps, and express technical assistance needs. We look forward to receiving your state’s input by June 30, 2020.

The survey is expected to take approximately 30 minutes to complete. May we ask you or your staff who are knowledgeable about your state’s housing-related services and supports under Medicaid for individuals with SUD to respond to the survey? If your state has had a change in leadership and you are not the correct person to address this to, or if you have any questions, please call 1-844-595-0513 or contact us via email at: [email].

We look forward to your participation in this important survey!

Sincerely,

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