Bridging health and temporary housing services for Medicaid members experiencing homelessness: Program impact on health care utilization, costs, and well-being

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.