Evaluation of a collaborative model between managed care and affordable housing on acute care costs

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated a collaborative service model between the largest Medicaid managed care organization (MCO) in Texas, Superior HealthPlan, and the affordable housing provider Prospera Housing Community Services.

STUDY DESIGN: Using a quasi-experimental 2-groups research design, we compared health care outcomes and costs between a sample of 104 participants served by the Prospera+Superior collaborative model and a group of 104 participants who had health care coverage through the Superior HealthPlan Medicaid MCO but did not live at Prospera properties (ie, Superior-only group).

METHODS: Data from medical claims were analyzed to examine change in outcomes 12 months before and after implementation of the Prospera+Superior collaborative model in 2019.

RESULTS: The Prospera+Superior group had a 56% lower rate of emergency department/urgent care visits and spent $2061 less in prescription costs than the Superior-only group after implementation.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide needed evidence of the clinical and economic value of forming multisector collaborative models between MCOs and other community providers.