In a candid conversation with Patrick Regan, VP of Sales at Upside, I had the chance to dive deep into the transformative potential of addressing housing stability in healthcare. As I reflect on our time, I’m struck by the seismic impact stable housing can have on overall health outcomes and the bold moves health plans are making to tackle this vital issue head-on.
Our chat echoed the growing recognition within health plans of the game-changing role housing stability plays in holistic well-being. We celebrated initiatives like Governor Hochul’s investment in housing sustainability programs, signaling a shift towards understanding housing as a core determinant of health rather than just a shelter.
What stood out from our conversation was the palpable shift from merely talking about housing concerns to taking concrete steps to address them. Health plans are now hustling to secure funding, map out implementation strategies, and roll out programs that deliver real, measurable results for their members. It’s a move from lip service to real service.
Of course, the road to housing stability isn’t without its bumps. We dug into the nitty-gritty of implementation challenges, recognizing the need for health plans to tailor solutions to fit their members’ diverse needs. With data in short supply, collaborating with partners like Upside becomes key to unlocking specific housing challenges and crafting interventions that truly hit home.
We underscored the importance of thinking big and bold when it comes to housing interventions. Upside’s approach – offering tailored programs that cater to each health plan’s unique demographics and needs – is a game-changer. By tackling housing issues from all angles, health plans can make a real dent in improving outcomes for their communities.
But the work doesn’t stop at getting folks into stable housing. We riffed on the importance of sticking around for the long haul, providing ongoing support and monitoring to ensure that stability sticks. It’s about going beyond putting a Band-Aid on the problem and committing to real, lasting change that leaves members feeling seen, heard, and supported.
One thing is crystal clear: the integration of housing initiatives into healthcare isn’t just a trend – it’s a revolution. By putting stable housing at the heart of healthcare, we’re not just changing lives; we’re changing the game. Here’s to shaking things up, breaking down barriers, and building a healthier, happier future for all.