Health care reform and the homeless

According a policy brief prepared by the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, the new health care reform law has several provisions that should benefit the homeless:

Access to insurance:

Beginning in 2014, Medicaid will cover everyone at or under 133 percent of the federal poverty level–roughly $14,400 a year for an individual. This is about the yearly salary of a full-time worker earning the minimum wage. Currently, it is difficult for adults to get Medicaid coverage unless they are a parent of a child or are disabled. Overall, this change is projectted provide health coverage to about 16 million uninsured.

Community Clinics

Effective fiscal year 2011, the federal government will invest $11 billion in community and neighborhood clinics, many of which provide care for the homeless.

“Most of this funding—$9.5 billion—will allow health centers to expand their operational capacity to serve nearly 20 million new patients and to enhance their medical, dental, and behavioral health services. The rest—$1.5 billion—will allow health centers to meet burgeoning capital needs by expanding and improving existing facilities and constructing new sites.”

Primary Care

The law seeks to boost access to primary care services by investing $1.5 billion in the National Health Services Corps, which places 15,000 primary care providers in underserved communities, provides incentives to increase the number of primary care providers, including scholarships, loan repayment arrangements and retention grants.

To learn more:

• Read full policy brief: Health Reform & Health Care for the Homeless as well as additional information prepared by the Health Care for the Homeless Council here.

Category: Doctors, Doctors and Nurses, Health Insurance, Healthcare Reform, Medicaid