Biden Admin Quietly Allowing Medicaid Funds To Cover Rent, Air Conditioning, Cooking Classes
https://dailycaller.com/2023/02/13/biden...-stamp-program/
Laurel Duggan
Social Issues and Culture Reporter
February 13, 2023 11:07 AM ET


The Biden administration has been approving state requests to use Medicaid funds to pay for individuals’ food, air conditioning and rent as part of a push to address health problems related to housing and lifestyle, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Research suggests that access to healthy foods and stable housing can improve patients’ health and reduce healthcare visits and costs, according to the WSJ, and some Republican lawmakers appreciate that these programs give states more control over Medicaid funding. Critics point to existing programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which already helps low-income people access food. (RELATED: Biden Pledges To Prevent Medicare Cuts — But He’s Cutting Medicare Advantage Right Now)

“This is really the first I’ve seen the federal government push food and air conditioners and other things as allowable. We already have the SNAP program,” Gary D. Alexander, head of the Medicaid and Health Safety Net Initiative for Paragon Health Institute, told the WSJ. “It seems like it’s blurring the lines.”

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved an $85 million project in Arkansas in November using Medicaid funds, which includes nutritional services for people aged 19 to 24 who are at high risk of poverty, were previously incarcerated, were in the foster care system or who are veterans, according to the WSJ. CMS also approved $1.1 billion in federal funds to address health-related social needs in Oregon, including short-term food assistance.

“We’re able to cover cooking classes and nutrition classes,” James Schroeder, interim director of the Oregon Health Authority, told the WSJ. “We can do up to six months of what we call ‘food and veggie RX.’ And up to six months of medically tailored meals.”

Medicaid is now paying for people’s air conditioning, air purification systems and up to six months’ rent in several states, according to the WSJ.-- excerpt, rest at link above --

No, I don't think it is legal.