In one of the most ambitious endeavors aimed at tackling social issues, a Medi-Cal initiative worth $12 billion is now offering services to the homeless population. These services include assistance with securing stable housing, providing aid for rental deposits, and offering street medicine.

In a media briefing on May 2, hosted by Ethnic Media Services, a panel of experts discussed how they are leveraging Medi-Cal to improve the lives of Californians experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Speakers

  • Glenn Tsang, Policy Advisor for Homelessness and Housing, California Department of Health Care Services
  • Amber Middleton, Director of HOPE Program, Shasta Community Health Center
  • Brian Zunner-Keating, MS,RN, Director UCLA Homeless Healthcare Collaborative

The new programs under Medi-Cal specifically cater to the homeless population. Glenn Tsang emphasized the importance of meeting unhoused individuals where they are in life. Rather than expecting them to navigate through bureaucratic systems, the initiative reaches out to them directly, whether they are in shelters, on the streets, or in encampments. 

This approach connects them to vital housing support and healthcare via two programs: Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports, both of which were launched on January 1, 2022.

Enhanced Care Management (ECM) assigns a primary care provider to the homeless population, linking them not only to medical services but also to social services such as transitional housing programs, and basic necessities like clothing and food. 

Community Supports (CS) aim to address the social determinants of health by tackling the root causes of adverse health conditions among the homeless population. These may include assisting individuals with securing housing, providing aid for security deposits, and offering support services to sustain tenancy, among others.

Tsang highlighted the importance of prevention and noted that housing plays a crucial role in determining one’s health. He pointed out that several states are following California’s lead in recognizing the significance of housing by allocating Medicaid funds to housing aid programs.

Amber Middleton emphasized the role of community care workers in breaking down barriers to healthcare for homeless individuals. Middleton stressed the need to address systemic issues contributing to housing and wage deficits, noting that many people in the U.S. are just one medical emergency away from facing homelessness.

The access points established by organizations like Shasta Community Health Center aim to provide comprehensive care to those in need. These include clinic services at homeless shelters, medical respite programs, short-term post-hospitalization housing, stable housing navigation, and mobile street medicine programs.

Brian Zunner-Keating highlighted the importance of building trust with homeless individuals through compassionate outreach. He shared stories of individuals whose lives were transformed through simple acts of care and connection, underscoring the profound impact of human connection in motivating individuals to seek healthcare and housing support.

“One elderly gentleman we served was living in an alley, could barely walk or see, he used a shopping cart to get around, his teeth were in such poor shape that he couldn’t chew, and he was panhandling to buy milk every day … While we provided him immediate care, we also got him insurance for advanced care. I’m happy to say that he now has glasses, a full set of dentures, a hip replacement, and is living in a shelter where he feels supported as he works on getting permanent housing.”

These initiatives underscore the importance of addressing the complex needs of the homeless population through a combination of healthcare, social services, and community support, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes and reduce homelessness in California.