Recent Medicaid Policy for the Unhoused: A Roadmap for MCOs to Improve Access and Care
The recent Medicaid policy change allows Medicaid to reimburse healthcare services delivered outside of traditional medical settings, including on sidewalks and in encampments, for the unhoused population. This marks a key shift in how healthcare can reach individuals experiencing housing instability. MCOs now have an opportunity to improve care strategies and health outcomes for unhoused individuals by integrating street medicine into their programs. This new reimbursement structure allows healthcare providers to deliver services directly to people on the streets, ensuring they receive the necessary care despite barriers to accessing traditional healthcare settings.
Understanding the Link Between Unhoused Populations and Health
Being unhoused is a multifaceted crisis that affects physical, mental, and emotional health. People experiencing housing instability are disproportionately affected by chronic diseases, mental health conditions, substance use disorders, trauma, and face significant barriers to accessing traditional healthcare. This policy change enables MCOs to deliver care directly to individuals on the streets, in parking lots, and in encampments, making healthcare more accessible and effective. By integrating street medicine, MCOs can address these healthcare needs and improve quality of life for this high-risk population.
Key Actions and Implications for MCOs
Expanding Street Medicine Networks: MCOs can partner with street medicine teams to deliver direct medical, mental health, and substance use services to unhoused individuals. This ensures comprehensive, continuous care for this vulnerable population.
Building Trust Through Relationship-Based Care: Street Medicine helps MCOs foster trust with unhoused individuals by providing consistent, compassionate care, encouraging long-term engagement and improving health outcomes.
Addressing Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders: With Medicaid’s expanded coverage, MCOs can collaborate with street medicine teams and local providers to offer mental health support, addiction treatment, and long-acting injectable medications directly to the unhoused.
Utilizing Data-Driven Strategies: MCOs can use data analytics to track health metrics, improve care strategies, and better allocate resources for unhoused populations, working alongside public health organizations to optimize care.
Improving Care Coordination: Effective care coordination is key for MCOs. Integrating street medicine into care programs ensures unhoused individuals receive both medical care and access to critical services like housing and substance use treatment.
Transformative Opportunities for MCOs
This new Medicaid policy offers a transformative opportunity for MCOs to address homelessness more comprehensively. By supporting street medicine initiatives, MCOs can expect the following measurable outcomes:
Increased healthcare access for unhoused individuals, resulting in fewer emergency room visits and hospital admissions.
Improved mental health and substance use outcomes through more consistent and specialized care.
Enhanced care coordination that integrates physical health, behavioral health, and social services.
Stronger partnerships with community organizations that focus on homelessness prevention and support.
Conclusion: A New Path Forward for MCOs
The expansion of Medicaid coverage for care on sidewalks offers MCOs a unique opportunity to better support the unhoused population. By integrating street medicine into care strategies, MCOs can improve health outcomes, enhance access to services, and build stronger community partnerships. Agilian is here to help MCOs navigate these changes and implement effective strategies to make the most of this new policy, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the care they need.