A brand-new pilot program in New York will use Medicaid funds to assist low-income citizens in accessing housing, food, and transportation.

Food Bank Program.Photo byClaudia RayaonUnsplash

State health authorities are betting on the initiative to save overall costs while improving health and preventing the need for sophisticated clinical care for New Yorkers.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said earlier this month that the state's nine networks—three of which will serve New York City—will help us rethink how we support communities with the greatest unmet needs.

The Executive Director of Community Health Care At Housing Works

The executive director of community health care at Housing Works, Jessica Diamond, stated that the amount of money reimbursed for that work from ongoing government contracts "is so low." It is making it difficult to maintain and stabilize this resource.

Michael Clarke, senior vice president of programs at Housing Works, expressed his expectation that the additional financing will enable his group and others to assist a larger number of New Yorkers.

Many people do not currently fulfil the qualifying requirements for some resources, but Clarke predicted that they will eventually meet the standards if these needs are not met.