More than half of the nation's 200 largest health systems operate at least one program aimed at reducing homelessness, according to a Cornell-led study.
Housing programs were the most common, followed by outreach, shelter medicine, medical respite and behavioral health services. Researchers found the programs were more likely in states that expanded Medicaid and in areas with greater shelter capacity.
The study was published July 22 in Health Affairs Scholar. Senior author Charley Willison said health systems are increasingly addressing housing because unhoused patients often rely heavily on emergency care and face worse health outcomes.
Researchers said people without housing account for an estimated 1% to 5% of patients but 12% to 18% of emergency-room visits and nearly four times the average Medicaid spending. They warned that rural and lower-income states could face greater strain if federal support shrinks.
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