Federal Policy
SAMHSA Awards $19 Million to States for Housing for Homeless with Serious Mental Illness
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded $19 million in supplemental funding to 51 states, territories, and jurisdictions to build housing capacity for homeless individuals with serious mental illness. The funding provides additional resources for state programs serving this population. The announcement was made September 18, 2025. For Medicaid managed care organizations with behavioral health carve-ins or whole health responsibilities, these state funds may complement or require coordination with MCO housing-related supports and services for members experiencing homelessness.
Why it mattersMedicaid managed care organizations serving behavioral health populations will need to coordinate with state-administered housing programs to ensure continuity of care and maximize benefit coordination for homeless members with serious mental illness.