Bridging Health and Temporary Housing Services for Medicaid Members Experiencing Homelessness: Program Impact on Health Care Utilization, Costs, and Well-being

J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2021;32(4):1949-1964. doi: 10.1353/hpu.2021.0175.

Abstract

This study assesses the effect of participation in a temporary housing program on health care utilization, health services cost, and overall well-being for Medicaid members experiencing homelessness. Medicaid administrative claims were used in difference-in-differences analyses to compare utilization and cost of participants with those of individuals on a waiting list for the program (non-participants). Surveys were used to assess changes in well-being of participants from program entry to exit. Compared with non-participants, program participants had 0.20 fewer emergency department visits (p=.04), and 0.14 more primary care physician visits (p=.01) per person per month following program entry compared with prior to entry; medical costs were not significantly different. Compared with program entry, participants self-reported improved rates of social support at program exit. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of a local public-private partnership in reducing emergency utilization, increasing primary care visits, and improving social support.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Health Care Costs
  • Housing
  • Humans
  • Ill-Housed Persons*
  • Medicaid*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Primary Health Care
  • United States