#USA #Fort Lauderdale #Housing Stability #Upside #Michael Monson

Michael Monson Joins Upside

Upside has announced an important addition to its leadership team, welcoming Michael Monson to its Executive Advisory Board. This decision is significant given Monson's extensive experience in healthcare, particularly in managing Medicaid and Medicare programs alongside long-term services and supports (LTSS).

A Wealth of Experience

For two decades, Michael Monson has built a distinguished career in the healthcare sector. He previously served as the CEO and President of Altarum, where he successfully led initiatives focusing on Medicaid and Medicare. Monson also held a prominent role at Centene Corporation as the Senior Vice President overseeing Medicaid and Complex Care services. His deep understanding of the intricacies involved in serving dual-eligible populations — those qualified for both Medicare and Medicaid — will be invaluable for Upside as they navigate housing stability solutions.

At Upside, Monson's primary responsibilities will include advising on housing stability issues faced by populations that encounter the highest complexities regarding healthcare needs. He acknowledges the significance of housing stability as a critical social determinant of health (SDOH). According to Monson, resolving a person's housing issues can substantially improve their overall well-being and independence.

Bridging Gaps in Housing Stability

Upside aims to fill crucial gaps in housing support, especially where current health plans struggle to provide real solutions for instability. Monson elucidates that having a secure place to live directly impacts various health outcomes and is a key factor in determining the success of discharge plans and ongoing care.

As Jake Rothstein, Co-Founder and CEO of Upside, explains: "Michael has seen this problem from every side — a national Medicaid product line, a nonprofit running state programs, and as a founding member of the national association for MLTSS plans. He brings an exceptional depth of insight that aligns perfectly with our mission to provide housing stability for the most vulnerable members of society."

A Vision for the Future

Michael Monson's career has spanned various facets of healthcare, incorporating payers, providers, and policy-making roles. He has championed significant initiatives, including founding the National MLTSS Health Plan Association and leading efforts focused on improving service quality in long-term care. His academic background includes a Master of Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School and a BA in communications from the University of Pennsylvania.

In joining Upside’s advisory board, Monson is excited about the opportunity to improve lives through strengthened support systems for housing stability. He emphasizes the organization’s unique position in actively working towards solving housing issues that affect countless individuals.

"There is a lot of discussion around the need to resolve housing instability, but Upside is the only organization actively executing that vision. I am thrilled to contribute to the continued expansion of Upside's mission, making a positive impact on people's lives," Monson states.

Upside’s Mission

Founded in 2020 and located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Upside aims to address the housing crisis through innovative solutions that cater specifically to healthcare. Their platform combines knowledge, resources, and financial support to tackle the multi-faceted challenges individuals face when trying to secure stable housing. By collaborating with health plans, Upside offers a dedicated team of Care Guides and housing specialists who follow each case from initial outreach to securing a lease, ensuring continuity and support throughout the process.

As housing instability remains a pressing national issue, Michael Monson's expertise is expected to propel Upside to new heights in delivering much-needed services for society's most complex populations. Upside serves Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, D-SNP, commercial, and employer-sponsored populations across 15 states, onboarding members throughout the entire housing continuum, from immediate crisis resolution to long-term tenancy support.

With Monson's leadership, Upside is well-positioned to bridge significant challenges in healthcare and housing stability—moving forward towards an inclusive future where everyone has a secure place to call home.