CalAIM and the Uncertainty of Federal Support
California’s ambitious program to connect Californians experiencing homelessness with comprehensive health services, CalAIM, faces an uncertain future with the incoming Trump administration. While the once experimental program is already showing promising results, especially for those seeking documentation proving they’re stable enough for permanent housing, the future funding
remains unclear.
CalAIM relies on federal waivers, granting California access to Medicaid funds for services typically not covered under the program. This broadened approach addresses social determinants of health, factors like safe housing and food security, which improve health outcomes.
The Trump administration’s stance towards requiring proof of employment for Medicaid recipients, coupled with potential cuts to Medicaid in general, throws CalAIM’ work into question.
## How Will Trump Impact California’s Innovative Program?
The Trump administration has yet to say concretely what it has planned for CalAIM. However, the administration’s prior actions offer some clues.
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California receives federal funding for CalAIM through waivers. These waivers allow states to experiment with Medicaid coverage. Trump’s pick to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Dr. Mehmet Oz. Oz has no prior experience as reflected in his comments — “It really requires a sustained effort over the course of years,” Dr. Sameer Amin said.Dr. Sameer Amin, chief medical officer at the health plan L.A. Care, illustrates the precarity.
## Vulnerable Populations Could Suffer
CalAIM’s fate holds significant implications.
Plan L.A. Care, highlights the uncertainty.Phone Heroic,
Any changes to CalAIM would be felt in 2026 when California seeks to renew its waivers. It’s a situation not unheard of. President Biden repealed waivers nearing renewal, passed during the Trump administration Walks,
Trump’s approach toward Medicaid in the past suggests potential challenges for programs like CalAIM. During his previous presidency, Trump
You can only imagine,” said Sharon Rapport, director.
“stable enough
” are vital to the program’s success and unlikely to disappear.
But the future
Sean, the impact of COVID-1”. The potential unraveling
For now, institutions like L.A. Care are exploring contingency
“My concern is that the housing crisis in LA County is not something
Planbrandt
. hospitals,
would require significant rearranging of funding, explained. “It would.” Remember:
California’s struggle to retain programs like CalAIM reflects a larger national debate over the role of government in addressing social needs.
