Update Regarding HSS Program:
Quick Link:
HSS Ending Handout for Participants
HSS List serve email updates for October 2025
Housing Stabilization Services updates from DHS
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Per the automatic response from the SPA public comments submissions, the projected date for program termination has been moved back from October 20. The message states: “While we are working with CMS to gain approval of the program’s final date of operations, at this time we know the program will continue operating through October 31 while DHS continues to follow CMS guidance as we finalize steps to wind down the program.”
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DHS has published a Documentation Requirements FAQs regarding the new documentation requirements passed in the last state legislative session. One item to note: At some of our provider meetings, there was discussion on whether a monthly log of services provided would satisfy the new requirements. According to the FAQ, this would not be acceptable: “Signatures of the person or authorized representative (guardian) and the employee of the agency that provided the service must be included with each documentation of a billable service.” You should print a copy of each case note for the client to sign.
HSS and MCO status
HealthPartners is now only accepting HSS claims from contracted providers. You can find a list of these providers here.
The HSS TA Team has reached out to the MCOs and have not received information about any other major changes in the operations to HSS programs.
Preparing for HR-1
A major shift in federal health policy is underway with H.R.1, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act that the President signed into law on July 4. This law cuts Medicaid funding by approximately one trillion dollars over the next 10 years, introduces new eligibility requirements, and gives states broader discretion over coverage. The law is poised to impact how housing providers connect residents to critical health and supportive services, what services states cover via Medicaid and what populations states allow access to the Medicaid program.
State level health advocacy efforts will be critical to how these changes will roll out at the state level, and your voice and the voices of the supportive housing industry and supportive housing residents can impact these decisions. Learn more about the potential impact and how to prepare at the CSH website.
Thank you
To everyone who has continued to advocate for HSS and work every day to ensure everyone has a place to call home. The HSS TA Team is committed to supporting you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. We don’t have all the answers but will do our best to help in any way we can. You can email us at hss-tateam@mesh-mn.org.
Past Updates:
SEPTEMBER 2025
Thank you for everyone who sent in HSS Success Stories! These will also be shared as we continue to advocate for HSS.
Many thanks to Alexis at Premier Housing Solutions of Minnesota who shared a petition and advocacy efforts to keep HSS.
AUGUST 2025
Following Friday’s announcement that DHS is moving to terminate the HSS program, the agency will be connecting with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to seek guidance regarding the state’s obligations prior to termination of the benefit. As more information becomes available, it will be shared with HSS providers and enrollees. Eligible HSS providers can continue to deliver services to enrolled individuals and individuals may continue applying to the program at this time.
The Housing Stabilization Services Technical Assistance Team is a partnership between CSH, Ei Consultants, MESH, Housing Matters and North Star Policy Consulting that supports communities across the state in utilizing Medicaid for housing supports in order to maximize resources needed to end homelessness.
Notice of Availability: Housing Stabilization Services Technical Assistance for 2024
The Housing Stabilization Services TA Team provides one-on-one, light-touch technical assistance at no charge to the agency. This includes:
Responding to basic Housing Stabilization Services related questions via email
hss-tateam@mesh-mn.org
Availability of TA is subject to the team’s capacity. We will do our best to get to everyone in a timely manner. Prior to sending in questions or requests for Technical Assistance, please review the materials available on our website:
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Resources & Tools
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Recorded Trainings & Past Events
Consultations via ZOOM
Initial meeting of one hour and one to two follow-up meetings.
Initial meeting:
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“How to get started” primer OR
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General Q&A for agencies already in the implementation phase
Potential follow-up meeting topics:
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General Q&A
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High-level implementation planning
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Individual eligibility process (how to identify potential clients, gather documentation, complete application process)
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Documenting services (case noting, gathering info needed for billing)
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Billing (systems, MCOs)
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Staffing and service implementation (hiring staff, best practices, culture change, initial/ongoing training, supervision)
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Combining funding and integrating with other health care services
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Quality assurance and compliance
Guidance on your agency’s Housing Stabilization Services Materials
Email us your documents, and we will review and send feedback. Availability of TA is subject to the team’s capacity. We will do our best to get to everyone in a timely manner. Example documents to review:
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Provider enrollment application
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Policies and procedure manual
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Budget plan
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Example housing consultation plans/Individual eligibility materials
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Individual service plan template and examples
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Case note template and examples
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Quality assurance plan
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Staff training and supervision plan
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Other materials as needed
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FAQ
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Add email below to sign up for updates
Specific policy questions about the new benefit should be directed to the Housing Division at the Department of Human Services at dhshousingstabilization@state.mn.us Questions? Email the HSSTA Team at hss-tateam@mesh-mn.org
