Housing Stabilization Services
Aug. 21, 2025
Public comment period open for Housing Stabilization Services termination
Today, the Minnesota Department of Human Services posted for public comment the State Plan Amendment that would terminate the Housing Stabilization Services program. The comment period is open for 30 days, ending Sept. 20. This is a required step as part of the termination process.
DHS previously announced Aug. 1 that it was moving to terminate the HSS program due to widespread fraud. Soliciting public comment is the next step in that process.
DHS has compiled an FAQ for HSS providers and clients that contains all of the information available at this time. The department is collaborating with the federal Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) to ensure this change is implemented with minimal impacts to people who use the program. DHS will continue to update the FAQs and communicate with partners and providers as more information becomes available.
HSS is a Medicaid benefit to help seniors and people with disabilities, including mental illness and substance use disorder, obtain and maintain housing. HSS does not directly pay rent or provide rental assistance as other housing programs might.
To terminate the program, DHS must submit a State Plan Amendment to CMS. Before submitting to CMS, DHS is required to post the State Plan Amendment for public comment. After 30 days, DHS could submit the State Plan Amendment to CMS for final approval.
All members of the general public, including HSS providers and clients, are eligible to submit responses as part of the public comment period. The process for submitting responses is outlined on the State Plan Amendment public comment webpage.
DHS will review and respond to feedback submitted during the public comment period as it moves forward with program termination. Once CMS approves the State Plan Amendment, DHS will know the program termination date and will communicate that date to 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 and until the program is terminated.
As the program comes to an end, DHS is committed to working closely with counties, Tribes, managed care organizations, local advocacy groups, and providers to coordinate resources and support transition planning. DHS will share more detailed information and guidance before the program’s end date.
