H.B. 291 Summary

• Requires the State Auditor, with assistance from the Department of Human Services, to conduct a study assessing the impact of using Medicaid funds to provide coverage for treatment of homelessness, including costs for the chronically homeless population.

• Defines "treatment for homelessness" to include behavioral health services (mental health and substance abuse), case management, personal care and assistance services, home and community-based services, and housing services.

• Auditor must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2022 regular session convenes.

• Appropriates funds for fiscal year 2021-2022 with requirement that any state appropriation be matched dollar-for-dollar with federal funds; Department of Human Services may assist in pursuing federal matching funds.

• Takes effect July 1, 2021.