Meridian Member Story
Rental Assistance Helps An Older Adult
Avoid Eviction And Maintain Stable Housing
Kenneth, a 74-year-old Meridian Medicaid Plan (Meridian) member, lives alone and was working to manage multiple health challenges when he began experiencing housing instability. In September 2025, he received an eviction notice for unpaid rent. At his court hearing, he learned he could apply for court-based rental assistance—support that could keep him safely housed, but only if he could complete a time-sensitive online application and submit required documentation.
Like many older adults, Kenneth faced practical barriers that can derail otherwise available assistance. He was not comfortable using technology, and mobility limitations made it difficult to travel for help. His building had stairs and no elevators, and he often relied on non-emergency ambulatory transportation. At the same time, his caregiver support—provided through a homemaker agency under the LTSS waiver program—was temporarily disrupted when the caregiver was hospitalized.
With another court date approaching and limited in-home support, Kenneth needed a clear plan and hands-on assistance to prevent eviction. Meridian’s care team stepped in quickly to help him navigate the process and document that he was actively working to resolve the rent issue.
Kishawra Cornell, a Meridian care team member, partnered with Kenneth to begin the rental assistance application and identify the documentation needed to move it forward. When required documents were missing, she helped him create a checklist and—step by step—showed him how to take photos of paperwork and email files so they could be uploaded with the application.
NeShea George, a Meridian care coordinator, then monitored the application status and kept the process moving as deadlines approached. When the application was denied in October 2025 because the landlord did not respond, she helped Kenneth resubmit promptly and compile information he could present in court to demonstrate progress and good-faith efforts to resolve the balance.
Ultimately, Kenneth’s application was approved. Rental assistance covered June 2025 through January 2026—nearly $10,000 in support—and the landlord agreed to allow Kenneth to remain in his home. That outcome stabilized more than a lease; it protected an older adult’s health and independence by preventing a disruptive move and the heightened risks that often follow housing loss.
Today, Kenneth remains in his home and is able to pay his rent. With his immediate housing needs addressed, he can focus more fully on managing his health. He is also working with Meridian’s housing coordinator to explore assisted living options and longer-term support that matches his needs. Kenneth shared his appreciation for the Meridian team’s guidance throughout the rental assistance process—support that helped him stay in his home and move forward with greater stability.
*Member name was changed for privacy reasons
