Community Integrated Services (CIS) represent a vital program designed to bolster the health and well-being of Medicaid members by addressing a fundamental need: housing. Administered by the Hawaii Department of Human Services Med-QUEST Division, CIS focuses on delivering Pre-Tenancy and Tenancy Services. These services empower Medicaid beneficiaries to secure and maintain stable housing, whether owned, rented, or leased. The overarching objectives of Community Integrated Services are threefold: to facilitate a seamless transition to housing, to foster enduring housing stability within community settings, and to mitigate the recurrence of homelessness and the need for institutional care among its members.
Who Can Benefit from Community Integrated Services?
The Community Integrated Services program is strategically targeted towards three primary populations, each facing distinct housing challenges:
- Individuals Experiencing Homelessness: This encompasses those currently without stable housing, living on the streets, in shelters, or other precarious situations.
- Individuals at Risk of Homelessness: This group includes individuals facing imminent threats to their housing, such as eviction notices, unstable living arrangements, or financial insecurity that jeopardizes their housing.
- Individuals Transitioning from Institutions: This population consists of individuals being discharged from institutions like hospitals, nursing homes, or correctional facilities who lack housing arrangements in the community to return to.
Eligibility for Community Integrated Services
To be eligible for Community Integrated Services, individuals must meet specific criteria that ensure the program reaches those with the most pressing needs. Eligibility requirements include:
- Enrollment in a QUEST Integration (QI) health plan.
- Being a QI member aged 18 years or older.
- Meeting at least one identified health need criteria.
- Fulfilling at least one risk criteria, such as homelessness, being at-risk of homelessness, or experiencing frequent or prolonged stays in institutional settings.
For a more in-depth understanding of eligibility requirements, resources such as the CIS Meet and Greet video and the Medicaid 101 video provide valuable insights.
Examples of Tenancy Support Services
Community Integrated Services offer a range of tenancy support services tailored to assist individuals in achieving and sustaining housing stability. These services are designed to be flexible and responsive to the unique needs of each participant and may include:
- Landlord and Property Manager Liaison: Coaching on developing and maintaining positive relationships with landlords and property managers, fostering effective communication and mutual understanding.
- Dispute Resolution Assistance: Facilitating communication and mediation to resolve conflicts that may arise between tenants and landlords or neighbors, preventing potential housing instability.
- Eviction Prevention Support: Connecting individuals with advocacy groups and legal resources to prevent eviction and safeguard their housing.
- Housing Recertification Guidance: Assisting members through the often complex housing recertification processes to maintain eligibility for housing programs.
- Housing Support and Crisis Planning: Developing and regularly updating individualized housing support and crisis plans to proactively address potential challenges and ensure housing stability.
- Healthcare Coordination Linkages: Establishing connections and coordinating with health plans to ensure seamless access to necessary healthcare services.
- Housing Crisis Management: Providing immediate and effective support during housing crises to prevent homelessness and maintain housing.
- Financial Literacy Education: Offering training and education on financial management skills to empower individuals to manage their finances responsibly and sustain their housing.
This list is illustrative and not exhaustive, reflecting the diverse and adaptable nature of Community Integrated Services.
Becoming a Community Integrated Services Provider
Organizations interested in becoming a Community Integrated Services provider and partnering with QUEST Integration (QI) health plans can contribute significantly to this vital program. The process to become a CIS provider involves:
- Medicaid Provider Enrollment: Applying to become a Medicaid provider with the Med-QUEST Division (MQD) through the online HOKU Provider Enrollment system.
- Contracting with QI Plans: Establishing contracts directly with one or more of the five QI health plans operating in Hawaii.
Resources such as the HOKU Training video and the HOKU website provide comprehensive guidance on the enrollment process. For direct assistance with HOKU navigation, inquiries can be directed to [email protected] or HOKU customer support at 808-692-8099.
How to Refer Individuals to Community Integrated Services
Referring an individual to Community Integrated Services is a straightforward process designed to facilitate access to these essential supports. To initiate a referral:
- Complete the CIS Referral Form: Fill out the CIS Referral Form with the required information.
- Obtain Consent: Secure informed consent from the individual by completing the Consent Form.
- Submit to QI Health Plan: Submit both the Referral Form and Consent Form to the individual’s QUEST Integration (QI) health plan for review and processing.
Notably, any provider can make a referral to the CIS program, regardless of whether they are a registered CIS provider themselves.
Conclusion
Community Integrated Services play a crucial role in enhancing the lives of vulnerable Medicaid members in Hawaii by providing essential housing support. By addressing housing instability, CIS not only improves living situations but also contributes to better health outcomes and reduces the likelihood of homelessness and institutionalization. For further information about the CIS program, including details on becoming a provider, please reach out via email at [email protected] or by phone at 808-692-8166 or 808-691-8177. Additional insights are also available through the CIS Meet and Greet and Medicaid 101 videos.
