Pipes: Medicaid is for health care, not housing

Medicaid is developing a bad case of mission creep. The long-standing purpose of the joint federal-state program is to provide health coverage for low-income and disabled Americans. Now, however, Medicaid is funding a slew of additional benefits — from meal deliveries to rent — on the pretext that they “influence health status” for the better. And next on that list of benefits could be affordable housing. Health insurers are investing billions in the construction of new apartments and homes. Already, 19 states have received Washington’s blessing to use Medicaid funds...